Agent: 'Olivier Giroud staying at Arsenal'

Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Arsenal and Aston Villa on May 15, 2016
© Getty Images
Olivier Giroud's agent dismisses speculation that the Frenchman could depart Arsenal for Napoli.

Olivier Giroud's agent has insisted that the Frenchman will not be departing Arsenal for Napoli this summer.

Reports last week had suggested that the 29-year-old would be offered to the Italian outfit as a sweetener in a big-money deal to bring Gonzalo Higuain to North London.

"Everything I've read on Giroud is not true. I personally have only said that if Arsenal want to sell him, then we will see," said agent Michael Manuello.

"I do not know where [the Napoli story] came from. We never talked to them and there are no other people appointed over me that can do this. We need to clarify this.

"You always need two strikers, [injured Danny] Welbeck is out for nine months unfortunately. And it's quite normal. If you play in a great team, it is natural that we could face strong competition."

Giroud has notched up 57 goals in 135 league appearances during his four seasons with the Gunners.

Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli celebrates after scoring goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale Milano at Stadio San Paolo on November 30, 2015 in Naples, Italy.
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