Olivier Giroud: 'Serge Gnabry was not mature enough at Arsenal'

Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud has suggested that Serge Gnabry was to blame for his lack of progression at Arsenal.

On Tuesday night, Gnabry netted twice for Bayern Munich as German giants put Chelsea on the brink of elimination from the Champions League at the last-16 stage.

Much has been made of the winger failing to make the grade at the Emirates Stadium, as well as a disappointing loan period at West Bromwich Albion.

However, Giroud has claimed that the in-form attacker had not matured into life as a professional footballer during his period in North London.

Giroud is quoted by football.london as saying: "I'm pleased for him. I played with him at 16 and he was not mature enough but obviously at 16 nobody is. The way he has improved is amazing. He's doing so well for two or three years now.

"I'm happy for him because he is a good guy. He deserves it and worked a lot. It's good for him."

Gnabry, now 24 years of age, has contributed 16 goals and nine assists in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.