Giroud hints his Arsenal days are now in the past
OlIVIER GIROUD has rocked Arsenal’s pre- season tour by admitting that he could quit the club.
Speculation has surrounded the 30-year-old French striker’s future since the club-record £52million signing of compatriot Alexandre lacazette from lyon. Speaking in Sydney, Giroud — who has attracted interest from Everton, AC Milan, West Ham and Marseille — even referred to his Arsenal career in the past tense.
‘It (leaving) is an option,’ he said. ‘I’m here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. I am an Arsenal player and for the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later.’
Giroud, who signed a new three-year deal in January, added: ‘I’m still an Arsenal player so I try to be professional.
‘I really enjoyed my time at the Arsenal and I scored a few nice goals but always like to speak about the team, the team spirit and the team work.’
In contrast, team-mate Mesut Ozil insists he wants to stay. The Germany midfielder, currently in the thick of a contract battle with the Gunners, has only a year left on his deal and is demanding £350,000 a week to remain.
‘It is definitely my preference to stay,’ Ozil said. ‘It is such a great club and I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal. Once everyone is back in london we will discuss the future. The most important thing is our pre-season and getting fitness.’
Arsenal are growing increasingly confident that they will bring Monaco winger Thomas lemar, 21, to the Emirates despite having had bids of £30m and £40m rejected this summer.
However, Sportsmail understands that Arsenal believe their next offer, which is thought to be more than £45m, will be enough to clinch the deal.