After Arsene Wenger defiantly stated earlier this week that he would not be allowing the transfer of any Arsenal players to any of our Premier League rivals, the news that Olivier Giroud is not going to join West Ham this summer is not exactly a big surprise.
The reason given in the Sky Sports report confirming that the Hammers have given up on our France international striker, however, is a little different to Wenger’s new found firmness.
What the report claims that West Ham are saying is the reason for them looking at other forward options is that they have been told that Giroud has other clubs he would rather sign for, which makes it sound like his departure could still be on the cards in the coming weeks.
There have been Arsenal transfer rumours linking the big man with Everton and Marseille in his home country and now The Mirror is reporting that the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are also keen. That would certainly appear to be a good move for the 30-year old, whose comments this week also left the door open for a transfer away from Arsenal.
Giroud said, “It (leaving) is an option to be honest with you.
“I’m here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not. I am an Arsenal player and for the moment I am here. I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later.
“But it is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal. I try to be professional. No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch.
“I had an amazing welcome from the fans and from the club and it has been five amazing years for me.
“I won’t forget it, no matter what happens. We will see about my future.”
So just a few months after signing a new contract, could Giroud be heading for the Arsenal exit?
Bob.