Marseille boss Rudi Garcia has admitted that his side were unable to tempt Olivier Giroud to leave Arsenal this summer.
Giroud’s future had been in some doubt early in the summer but, as Standard Sport revealed last month, the 30-year-old is minded to fight for a regular role in Arsene Wenger’s side for the time being.
Ligue 1 giants Marseille had been among a number of clubs targeting Giroud, but West Ham and Lyon also pulled out of a deal because they did not believe they could convince him to join. Everton retain an interest but it is unclear whether the forward would consider a move to Merseyside in the summer window.
Garcia told L’Equipe: "I do not think he wants to come to Marseille, Olivier Giroud. That's the problem."
"It is understandable - as he is a striker with the French national team who is making progress with Arsenal - that when he does change clubs, his interests might lie beyond OM."
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal’s £53m record signing, is expected to start the season as the focal point of Wenger’s plans but the Gunners boss has been insistent in his desire to retain Giroud.
Speaking after Arsenal’s Community Shield win Giroud offered the clearest indication in recent weeks that he planned to stay. “I am an Arsenal player,” he said. “I have a two-year contract, at least.”
