Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed the club’s interest in Olivier Giroud, as Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with a move for Alexandre Lacazette.
With speculation Arsenal will sign Lacazette or even Kylian Mbappe this summer, Giroud’s future has come under scrutiny, with speculation claiming he could depart.
Aulas has now admitted he is interested in the France international, although he admits that Giroud would rather stay at the Emirates next season.
“There has been an approach, at some point, for Giroud. He is a boy that we like, who scores lots of goals and who has a lot of ambition for Russia (World Cup),” he told L’Equipe.
“He told me personally that he wanted to take his time, that things were not completely defined with Arsenal, that he had a secret hope that he would be the number one striker next season.
“The key is Arsène Wenger. We are watching. We will try to very quickly sign a top European attacker.”
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With Arsenal reportedly closing in on a move for Lacazette, Aulas’s comments beg the question of whether Giroud could be used in the deal that will bring the Lyon striker to north London.
The 30-year-old was forced to spend most of last season on the bench and there seems little chance he will be first choice next season.
While Giroud did still play a key role for the Gunners, despite his reduced playing time, if he wants regular football he may well have to look elsewhere, particularly if, as expected, Arsenal do sign another top striker.
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