The England midfielder believes Arsene Wenger does not need to invest in a new striker this month as long as the ex-Montpellier man remains free of injury

Olivier Giroud is capable of leading Arsenal to the Premier League title despite critics insisting the Gunners need to spend in January, according to the Frenchman’s team-mate Jack Wilshere.

The former Montpellier man has thrived in his second season at the club scoring 12 goals and leading the line almost single-handedly at times.

Despite his improved output, fans have implored Arsene Wenger to bolster his squad with a new striker in January and has been linked with moves for Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov and Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic.

But Wilshere is confident Arsenal are capable of maintaining their position at the top of the Premier League as long as Giroud stays fit.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, Wilshere said: “He’s [Berbatov] a great player. He has played for Manchester United. Players who don’t have ability don’t play for Man United.

“But he is a Fulham player so I can’t talk about him. We have Olivier, who has been great for us this season. If we can keep him fit we have a chance.

“People underestimate our squad. We have a lot of talent in there. Look at the bench – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plays for England, Podolski, Vermaelen isn’t even on there because he’s injured.

“We have to rotate sometimes and we do. Mikel comes in and I go out or to the right and that is important. If we are going to win the championship that is what we are going to have to do.”