OPINION
Marseille are reportedly considering a late move to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
French outlet Le10 Sport claim that the Ligue 1 club want to sign the 30-year-old this summer and believe they stand a greater chance by making a late swoop.
It is understood that Giroud is keen to stay with the Gunners, but French giants Marseille believe he could be tempted to move nearer the end of August due to a lack of play time.
The France international seems determined to stay and fight for a spot in the starting XI, despite the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette.
Good move for Arsenal?
Giroud may not be the most eye catching player in the Arsenal squad, but he remains a very crucial part of it and is an underrated player in England.
They should not consider selling the Frenchman this summer as it would leave them short of genuine forward options, with the future of Lucas Perez unclear.
Giroud has proven himself to be a consistent performer for the Gunners and managed 16 goals across all competitions last season.
He is a big physical presence in attack and will be ready to step into the central role if Lacazettte struggles with his move to the Premier League.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
It seems unlikely that Arsenal will look to get rid of Giroud, especially if they receive a late bid from Marseille.
The forward has shown his class during his time with then north London club, scoring 98 goals in 227 games.
Giroud managed to step in when needed last season to play back-up to Alexis Sanchez and could do a similar job behind Lacazette.
He could look to return to France nearer the end of his career and at 30 there is no guarantee over how much longer he has at his peak.
Marseille seems like a good destination for Giroud at some stage, but a move is probably arriving a couple of seasons early.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10