Arsenal Transfer News: Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny in Marseille Rumours

Marseille are reportedly ready to make an ambitious swoop for Arsenal stars Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud this summer. 

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, the Ligue 1 side have big plans for the upcoming transfer window and have identified the French duo as possible targets, with American businessman Frank McCourt set to bankroll an overhaul of the playing staff.

Indeed, it's noted the club are keen to add five high-profile players who can help them challenge champions Paris Saint-Germain and league leaders Monaco at the top of the French top flight.

Koscielny and Giroud are said to be on the shortlist, although "the chances of either moving at this stage seem remote," according to Jones.

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Manager Arsene Wenger has also confirmed the Gunners have yet to be approached about a possible transfer for Giroud, per ESPN FC's Mattias Karen:

As well as the Arsenal pair, Crystal Palace duo Yohan Cabaye and Steve Mandanda are said to be interesting Marseille, as are Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Roma striker Edin Dzeko. The Ligue 1 side also spent big in January to land Dimitri Payet from West Ham United.

Of all the players aforementioned, Koscielny would arguably be the biggest coup of all, as he is the key man in Arsenal's defensive setup.

The France international is among the most dynamic defenders in the Premier League, as he's always on the front foot, vigilant in tracking runners and impeccable in his timing of tackles. Since moving to the Emirates Stadium in 2010, Koscielny has also developed into a leader.

As OptaFranz noted earlier this term, there have been times in 2016-17 when the Gunners have capitulated without Koscielny:

Giroud would arguably be more attainable than his compatriot, as he's not a guaranteed starter in the current Arsenal XI.

The Arsenal fanbase seems to go back and forth on the forward. When he's playing well, the striker is an excellent focal point, possessing the physicality, aerial ability and technical quality needed to lead the line in the Premier League. 

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But there are elements lacking in Giroud's game, most notably in terms of flair and speed. It's long been suggested he's too slow to lead the line for an elite club.

Still, his goal record is still impressive, as Squawka Football noted earlier this month:

At 31, Koscielny is in the peak years of his career, and although he's been a little inconsistent this term, he remains one of the critical cogs in this Arsenal setup. Subsequently, it'd be a massive surprise if the Gunners entertained any offers for him.

Giroud is a little different. The forward may be keen to feature more frequently, having made just eight Premier League starts this season. Therefore, if a big bid does come in, it may make sense for the player and for Arsenal to sell.

For more news, rumours and related stories about Koscielny, Giroud, Arsenal and the Premier League check out the Premier League and Arsenal streams on Bleacher Report's app.