Newly-promoted Newcastle United have reportedly made a £22m bid to sign Arsenal and France striker Olivier Giroud this summer.

According to rumours on Twitter, the Premier League newcomers have made an ambitious pursuit to sign the Gunners centre-forward, with manager Rafael Benitez desperate to bolster his side’s attack with tried and tested top-flight stars to ensure they aren’t embroiled in a relegated battle next season.

And although Giroud made more substitute appearances than starts for Arsenal in 2016/17, it’s unlikely he is seeking a move to St James’ Park, let alone Arsenal selling the prolific frontman in the summer. Giroud not long ago signed a new deal with the Gunners and is more than happy to be used as an impact substitute given how well he’s fared over the campaign – 12 goals in 11 Premier League starts.

Newcastle aren’t the only side in the French international, with Here is the City reporting that West Ham United and Ligue 1’s Olympique de Marseilles also keeping tabs, but Arsenal have no desire to let the 30-year-old leave at any price. Giroud has accepted his role in the side and wants to help the club challenge for major honours.

Arsenal’s finances are very healthy and they’d have no need to sell against their will as a result.