Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has revealed that he tried to persuade Moussa Sissoko to join the Gunners prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Newcastle United midfielder eventually sealed his transfer to White Hart Lane for a reported fee of £30m ahead of the deadline, as noted by ESPN FC.
While Everton were also interested, it appears as though Giroud was also keen to have a word with his international teammate to insist that Arsenal were the best option.
Sissoko impressed many with his performances during Euro 2016 which undoubtedly helped see his price-tag increase, but ultimately a move to the Emirates failed to materialise and Giroud will now have to line up against him this season.
“I told him to give Arsenal the priority. It’s true it was special denouement. Until the end he didn’t know what he’ll do,” Giroud said, as reported by Le10 Sport.
“It’s good for him. I think it was quite a long month for him so it’s good that something could have happened even in the very last moments. It’s great for him. In the Premier League Tottenham are an opponent for the trophy this year. I hope he will not be in good conditions against us.”
Given the options that Arsene Wenger already has in midfield, it’s debatable as to whether or not it would have been such a sensible move for the club.
In turn, Giroud will now focus on his fitness and getting back into the starting line-up to lead the line for the Gunners with Lucas Perez, Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi brought in bolster the group instead.