Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that he tried to persuade former Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko to join the Gunners this summer.
The 27 year old finally joined Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for £30million after a protracted transfer saga which saw the Frenchman on the verge of a move to Everton on transfer deadline day.
Spurs matched the Merseyside’s club’s bid at the very last moment for the France international, and the midfielder ended up at White Hart Lane. Talking to reporters before France’s World Cup qualifier against Belarus tomorrow night, Giroud said he encouraged Sissoko to make Arsenal his number one target destination:
“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. 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.”
Sissoko has thanked Newcastle fans for their support on his Instagram account, although it is unlikely the affection from supporters will be reciprocated. The French midfielder spoke out on a number of occasions in the French press declaring his desire to leave St James’ Park in stark contrast to other Magpies’ players who were sold this summer.
