Rumour: Arsenal set to sell Olivier Giroud in summer

Olivier Giroud (R)

Olivier Giroud could be set for a summer exit from Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger looks to shake up his forward options after seeing the Gunners’ title challenge fall apart in the back end of the season once again, according to The Sun.

Giroud enjoyed a bright start to the season, but has embodied Arsenal’s second half of the season, with his performances trailing off in 2014 leaving Wenger bemoaning his failure to add to his striking options in either the summer or January transfer windows.

Giroud has been left as the only senior striker ahead of youngster Yaya Sanogo and unfancied Nicklas Bendtner and has repeatedly looked tired and lethargic when leading the line for the North London club.

Wenger has made it his priority to add top class strikers to his options at the Emirates, but this could also see Giroud exit the club and bring an end to a tumultuous spell in North London for the French striker in which he has never truly lived up to his billing.

Having seen Giroud the focus of a number of fans’ ire for his lacklustre performances in the second half of the season and especially in big games, it is believed a number of the Gunners’ hierarchy do not believe he is the man to take the club forward.

With Giroud unlikely to accept stepping back into a supporting role when Wenger adds proven options to his squad in the summer, he is likely to look for a move away from the club in order to guarantee first-team football for next season.

In 2014, Giroud has scored five goals in 13 appearances for Arsenal, converting 18.5% of his shots on goal.