Marseille manager Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud will not be joining the club.
Giroud’s future at Arsenal has been in some doubt since the £52million club record arrival of his fellow French striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
However Standard Sport understands that for the time being Giroud is minded to fight for his place at Arsenal, where he has two years remaining on a contract signed earlier this year, though that could change if he feels his place in the France squad for next summer’s World Cup is under threat.
Marseille and Lyon had both been keen to bring Giroud back to Ligue 1 but Garcia today conceded that the 30-year-old will likely not be moving to the former.
“Don’t dream, he will not be coming,” Garcia said.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has also ruled Arsenal out of the hunt for Giroud whilst West Ham switched focus to Javier Hernandez earlier this month after being informed of the striker’s desire to fight for a place at the Emirates.
Everton could also find it tough to sell a move to Giroud, who is believed to be reluctant to move from London to Merseyside.
Giroud admitted last week that he is still not entirely certain over his future but welcomed the arrival of new No.9 Lacazette.
“Obviously, there will be more competition - even more than last year, but it's always nice for a striker to feel the pressure,” Giroud said.
“I always deal with it. I've been through some difficulty this last year, but always succeed to bounce back.”
