Olivier Giroud’s agent has once again denied that there’s been any contact between the striker and Marseille.

  • Agent denies talks with Garcia for second time
  • Reveals Giroud’s Arsenal future linked to Wenger
  • Names four teams ‘hypothetically’ interested in Giroud

Michael Manuello has once again been forced to deny reports that Giroud has been in contact with Marseille manager, Rudi Garcia, over a potential move back to Ligue 1.

Back in April, Manuello branded claims that his client had spoken with Garcia as ‘lies’, but did admit that he “can’t say that nothing will happen this summer”, casting doubt over the France international’s future in north London.

This time, Giroud’s agent has once again denied that there have been talks, but also revealed that the 30-year-old’s future is linked to Arsene Wenger’s.

“Nothing is true. There was talk that Olivier was in contact with Rudi Garcia. I said that that was false. There is no contact between Marseille and us,” Manuello said in an interview with Foot Mercato [via GFFN].

“At this point, there is no contact. Olivier wants to help his team qualify for the Champions League.

When we know exactly what Arsène Wenger is doing, we will ask ourselves questions. We will think about what is possible and what is not possible.

“Today when Olivier and I talk, there are no discussions about other projects. I believe that when you are at such a level, you first have to think about the club. We are not going to talk hypothetically about if Inter Milan, Marseille, Napoli or Lyon are interested…

“His future is not only linked with that of the manager. It is linked to what Arsenal are going to do and if there is a change at Arsenal in terms of how Olivier is implicated at the project.

“Things have not changed since his contract extension. Our desire is be at Arsenal long term. Olivier has been there for five years. The aim for Olivier is still to go as far as possible in this adventure with Arsenal to do great things there.

“At some point, if the two are to separate, we will see. But it is not the intention of the parties.”

Wenger is yet to announce whether he will stay with Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season and, while Giroud signed a new contract with the club in January, his lack of playing time is taking its toll.

Oli took the brunt of fan fury after putting in a useless performance against Tottenham on Sunday.

In March, Giroud admitted that he doesn’t always understand Wenger’s tactical decisions and would much rather be playing.

If Wenger stays, perhaps Big Sexy will be looking for another club.