Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Olivier Giroud and Arda Turan

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said how much his squad still needs Olivier Giroud, amid rumours the French striker could leave during this summer's transfer window.

Giroud has been linked with a move away, but Wenger remains a fan of the 30-year-old's qualities, according to Vaishali Bhardwaj of the London Evening Standard: "He has won us a lot of points when he has come on because he has scored lots of times. He has qualities that our team need."

Wenger did concede Giroud has struggled with not playing regularly during the 2016/17 season. Indeed, the former Montpellier ace started just 17 games in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

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Giroud's lack of starts is probably why he has been tipped for a move away so often recently. Arsenal's London rivals West Ham United are reportedly keen on the centre-forward, per Sky Sports News HQ.

Meanwhile, French publication L'Equipe (h/t Metro) recently reported Wenger had told Giroud he could leave, as the Gunners pursue either Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette or AS Monaco star Kylian Mbappe. Ligue 1 duo Lyon and Marseille were identified as potential suitors for Giroud, per the reports.

However, Wenger's latest words are proof Giroud is still held in high regard at Arsenal. It's no wonder, since the underrated striker is a terrific link player, one adept at holding the ball up and playing with his back to goal.

When it comes to finishing, Giroud is a menace in the air and more prolific than he's often given credit for. In fact, Giroud has scored 98 times for the Gunners since signing in 2012.

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As a target man, he gives possession-based Arsenal the option of the long ball to bypass congested midfields and break with pace on the flanks. If nothing else, Giroud has consistently proved himself an invaluable plan B for Wenger's men.

Keeping him makes sense for the Gunners.

Bid Mooted for Barcelona Winger

Arsenal have been credited with bidding £26.4 million for Barcelona winger Arda Turan, per Spanish source Marca (h/t Uche Amako of the Daily Express).

Amako detailed how Barca will weigh up offers for Turan, with the Gunners facing competition for the schemer's signature: "The report says Turan's advisers have been told to consider any offers they receive. It is also said Inter Milan are also interested in signing Turan and could provide some competition to Arsenal."

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However, Amako also cited quotes from Turan's agent, Ahmed Bulut, who told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "At this moment, I haven't spoken with any club in the world, but if Barcelona say that he isn't in their plans then it'll be a different story."

Despite Bulut's words, Marca aren't the only ones reporting Arsenal have made on offer for Turan. The Sun's Jamie Gordon said a bid of £30 million has been forthcoming from the Gunners.

Any interest in Turan makes sense, since the 30-year-old is a perfect fit for the stylish and expansive game Wenger preaches. Turan is a versatile attacking midfielder who can operate on the flanks or behind a striker.

The former Atletico Madrid star has the vision and flair to thread passes between the lines, while also boasting a keen eye for goal. Even in a down year at Barca, Turan was still a prolific source of goals, netting 11 times and providing four assists, per WhoScored.com.

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Turan is the type of creative maestro Wenger usually builds his teams around. With chief playmaker Mesut Ozil out of contract in 2018, signing Turan could provide some vital insurance.

Speaking of insurance, the Gunners would miss the cover Giroud provides up front if they let him go.