Wenger refutes Allardyce claims on Giroud transfer

So what do we have here. Just a day after Everton manager Sam Allardyce claimed that Olivier Giroud turned down a summer move to the Blues because his wife would not leave London, the player’s manager at Arsenal Arsene Wenger has jumped to his defence, saying that had nothing to do with it.

Speaking to the media early this morning, Wenger said -

"No, I don't think so. He could have joined Everton and stayed basically in London. I don't think that was the problem."

A comment we have to disagree with. Unless the Frenchman was maintaining two residences, we fail to see how he could have continued to live in London while playing for the Blues in the northwest. It would make no sense at all commuting back and forth on a daily basis, and it’s not like he can go to the capital on weekends, when most matches are played.

Yesterday, Allardyce had added that Giroud’s wife had had a part to play in his decision -

“I wouldn't have thought so as he refused to come last time.

“As far as I know he doesn't want to move north of Watford, well his wife doesn't want to anyway. It's very important to the wives, believe you me. Normally they are the bosses.”

Oh well, either way, it’s very unlikely now the Blues will resume their interest in the French striker in the upcoming January transfer window, especially considering his injury situation that Wenger also updated.

Giroud picked up a hamstring injury during the semi-final of the Carabao Cup which he had to leave, and Wenger insists he will be staying at the London club.

"No, Olivier Giroud will be back in January.

"Yes, I said four to six weeks, but the incident happened on the 10th of December, so the 10th of January or 15th he should hopefully be back."