Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed the Ligue One side tried to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud this summer.
The French club were however knocked back by the Gunners who expressed their desire to keep the 30 year old at the club next season. Speaking to Le Progress (translated by the Evening Standard), Aulas said:
“I wanted to sign him. But Arsene Wenger would not sell him… We still have superb young attackers.”
Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to sell Giroud may be a surprise considering the Frenchman spent long spells on the bench last season, even without the extra competition from record signing Alexandre Lacazette.
Despite being criticised from some quarters, the player offers Wenger a different option in attack, and it could be the case, that if the Arsenal boss persists with three at the back, there will be occasions next season when the two French internationals will link up in attack.
If Alexis Sanchez remains at the club however, Giroud’s opportunities could be seriously limited which may lead to the Frenchman considering his options.We will have to wait and see what Wenger has in store tactically for next season.
