Wenger dismisses Giroud to Marseille talk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed
speculation that France international Olivier Giroud
could leave the club for Marseille at the end of the
season.
Reports from France suggested Rudi Garcia
is interested in bringing Giroud back to his native
country and the club are preparing a bid for the
30-year-old.
However, Wenger is adamant he has not heard
anything from the Ligue 1 side.
"I have had no approach from Marseille," the
Arsenal boss said ahead of Wednesday's match
against Leicester City.
"We want to keep Giroud."
The attacker joined Arsenal from Montpellier in
2012 and has since made over 200 appearances
for the club, where he is contracted until June
2019.
Wenger attempted to bring in Jamie Vardy as
competition for Giroud ahead of the 2016-17
campaign, but the England international opted to
stay with the Foxes.
Asked about the apparent setback of failing to land
his target, Wenger said: "No regrets, I think
transfers are part of the game, successful or not
successful.
"I don't think there was anything I could have done
different. We did what we could do. He made his
decision and I respect that.
"He would have been one of the strikers we have
available. When you are a big club, you cannot
guarantee anyone anything."