Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has apparently rejected the chance to leave the club and join Marseille.

The Ligue 1 side have revealed that they are pulling out of the race for the striker’s signature, but say it is due to the player himself not wanting a transfer away.

The France international has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium all summer after the arrival of fellow countryman Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal. The striker signed for a club record fee of £53m, and his presence will only further drop Giroud down the pecking order.

A host of clubs including Everton and West Ham are understood to be keen on Giroud, but Marseille boss Rudi Garcia says he has given up hope of signing the 30-year-old striker.

“I do not think he wants to come to Marseille, Olivier Giroud. That’s the problem,” Garcia told French sports daily L’Equipe .

“It is understandable – as he is a striker with the French national team who is making progress with Arsenal – that when he does change clubs, his interests might lie beyond OM.”

Olivier Giroud will provide good back up for Lacazette if needs be. Some people like Giroud, others don’t – but he is a player who is proven in front of goal, therefore perhaps it is in the best interest of the club to keep hold of him.