Wenger dismisses Giroud to Marseille talk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed speculation that France international Olivier Giroud could leave the club for Marseille at the end of the season.

Reports from France suggested Rudi Garcia is interested in bringing Giroud back to his native country and the club are preparing a bid for the 30-year-old.

However, Wenger is adamant he has not heard anything from the Ligue 1 side.

“I have had no approach from Marseille,” the Arsenal boss said ahead of Wednesday’s match against Leicester City.

“We want to keep Giroud.”

The attacker joined Arsenal from Montpellier in 2012 and has since made over 200 appearances for the club, where he is contracted until June 2019.

Wenger attempted to bring in Jamie Vardy as competition for Giroud ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but the England international opted to stay with the Foxes.

Asked about the apparent setback of failing to land his target, Wenger said: “No regrets, I think transfers are part of the game, successful or not successful.

“I don’t think there was anything I could have done different. We did what we could do. He made his decision and I respect that.

“He would have been one of the strikers we have available. When you are a big club, you cannot guarantee anyone anything.”