Olivier Giroud: 'Alexis Sanchez is a fantastic player'

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has revealed that he can't wait to play alongside Alexis Sanchez when the Premier League season begins.

The Frenchman played with the 25-year-old for the first time in the Gunners' defeat to Monaco in their pre-season clash, and feels that they could forge a formidable partnership for Arsene Wenger's side.

Giroud told the club's official website: "He is a fantastic player and I think we will have a good understanding together on the pitch.

"He is simple to play with and he can feel the game - I think it will be easy to play with him and it is a great signing for us.

"He is really quick, he hits the ball really well and he is quite clever so he will be interesting for us I think."

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on August 16.