Arsenal: Giroud Rumors Being Quashed A Positive

Olivier Giroud’s agent has quashed rumors linking Arsenal’s forward to a move to Napoli. Now the French international cam focus on the season ahead.

The frantic world of the transfer window often produces many crazy rumors. Some of these come true – like Alvaro Negredo signing for newly promoted Middlesborough which was announced earlier on Wednesday afternoon – most, however, do not.

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One recent rumor that has had me laughing is a possible move from Manchester City for Arsenal star right back Hector Bellerin. The youngster had a terrific season for the Gunners and has attracted interest from around Europe, but there’s no way in hell that Wenger even contemplates letting him leave, especially to a direct rival.

Another report that was as equally fantastical was possible swap move involving Naploi’s Gonzalo Higuain. There is definite interest in Higuain from an Arsenal position, however, the reported £80 million price tag left a rather unsavory taste in the mouth, and, reportedly, Wenger hoped that Giroud may be well be sweetener to make the deal possible.

I can certainly accept that Arsenal are interested in Higuain, and I also believe that they were deterred by the initial price tag quoted. However, I cannot accept that Wenger would trade away his star striker, a player that he has stood by amid great criticism in recent years.

Such skepticism of the reports has now been confirmed by Giroud’s agent, with Michael Manuello quashing any possible musing of a sensational swap deal:

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"“I personally have only said that if Arsenal want to sell, then we will see. I do not know where the [Napoli] story came from. We never talked to Naples and there are no other persons appointed over me that can do this – we need to clarify this. You always need two strikers and Welbeck is out for nine months, unfortunately. But if you play in a great team, it is natural that we could face strong competition.”"

These are excellent comments for all involved. A swap deal is of no benefit to Arsenal. They do no need a Giroud replacement, rather a compliment and Giroud would certainly rather stay with the Gunners than move to Italy.

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Putting to bed these rumors allows Arsenal and Giroud to move on and focus on the coming year, rather than have the distracting circulation of crazy transfer rumors, and that is never a bad thing.