Olivier Giroud’s agent, Michael Manuello, on Monday, branded reports linking the striker with a summer switch to Napoli as untrue.

Giroud had been rumoured to be involved in a cash-plus-player bid to lure €97 million-rated Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal, but his agent, whilst speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, claimed that he and Giroud had not mulled over a move away from Emirates Stadium.

A few days ago, many British news outlets quoted Manuello, who claimed that Maurizio Sarri’s system would suit his client and that he would love life in Naples, but he has now backtracked.

“Everything I’ve read about Giroud is untrue,” said Manuello. “I only said that if Arsenal wanted to sell, then we would see, but today he is an Arsenal player and I’d like to stress we haven’t even thought about another project. Not even for one minute.”

Arsenal have been linked with moves for Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku, Alexandre Lacazette, and Higuain in the recent times, and they can be tipped to bring down a top-class striker before the transfer window slams shut, especially with Arsene Wenger promising three signings this summer.Manuello claimed his support for Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker.

Manuello claimed his support for Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker.

“You always need two strikers. Welbeck is out for nine months, unfortunately. It’s quite normal that when you play in a great team, you should face strong competition.”

Giroud was brought in as a Robin van Persie replacement from then-Ligue 1 champions Montpellier for a bargain fee of about €15m. Although he has not been able to be as prolific as the Dutchman had been, he has averaged a decent 20.5 goals-per-season. However, because of his one-dimensional nature, the Arsenal faithful have been crying out for a mobile striker, who can be what Theo Walcott was expected to become.  

Takuma Asano and Granit Xhaka have already been unveiled as Arsenal players, and it remains to be seen who the third signing is going to be.