GettyArsenal’s pursuit of a striker is threatening to take over the summer transfer window.
Arsene Wenger is trying – and failing miserably so far – to get a new front man in for the new Premier League season, which kicks off in just over three weeks time.
Jamie Vardy, Mauro Icardi and Alexandre Lacazette were all linked with a move to the Emirates, but none were ever close to fruition.
Arguably the closest they’ve got to anyone so far – other than Vardy, who flat out rejected them – is Gonzalo Higuain, who was linked with a mega money move from Napoli, in a player plus cash deal with Olivier Giroud.
GettyJuventus were then rumoured to have overtaken Arsenal in the race for the Argentinean striker, as they prepared to bid close to the €94m release clause to lure him to Turin.
That move broke down though, as the Old Lady decided the former Real Madrid striker was too expensive, and Arsenal were back in the race.
But, Giroud’s agent has came out and said that he has no idea of any deal involving his client – which means either it’s all lies, or he’s accidentally had his phone on silent for the last fortnight.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Michael Manuello said:
Everything I’ve read about Giroud is not true.
Personally, all I’ve said is that if Arsenal want to sell him then we’ll see. But at the moment he’s an Arsenal player, and we haven’t for a moment considered another project. I want to stress that.
I don’t know where this story has come from, we never talked to Napoli and there’s no other person above me who could do that. We need to clarify that.
Arsenal want another striker? Well yes, you always need two strikers. Unfortunately [Danny] Welbeck is out for two months.
It’s quite normal, if you play for a great team it’s natural you’ll face strong competition.
GettyConsidering it’s quite rare for an agent to say something that would mean him missing out on the chance to line his pockets with a few quid, these quotes should end the Giroud to Napoli rumours.
However, the Frenchman’s Arsenal future is uncertain as Wenger pushes on with plans to sign another centre forward to provide the former Montpellier striker with some much needed competition.
Looks like you’re stuck with him a little longer, Arsenal fans.
