Wenger Told to Walk Away from French Ace

It is no secret that Arsenal are in major need of fresh talent and a general bulking up of their first team squad with proven players of international repute, to offset the fact that club captain Robin van Persie is, perhaps, the only truly world-class player they have. The Gunners' dependence on the Dutch forward is amply illustrated by his 26 league goals this season and the fact the club sits in a very comfortable third place in the league (after being 15th at one time), five points ahead of Tottenham and Newcastle in the race for the final automatic Champions League berth for next year.

Wenger had previously been quoted as saying he was looking to make definitive and early moves in the summer transfer market, having learnt both from previous seasons' when he spurned big money signings in order to focus on youth and from last season, when he rushed through several deals on the final day, mere hours before the deadline.

This time around, the Frenchman has already, it is rumoured, completed the signing of FC Koln's German international striker Lukas Podolski for a reported £11 million. In addition, the club are also believed to be interested in Montpellier's French forward Olivier Giroud, who has, not unlike van Persie, single-handedly taken his team to the top of the Ligue 1.

According to a report in The Sun though, Montpellier's domestic rivals Olympique Marseille, who were also in the hunt for Giroud's services, have cautioned the Gunners about any bid. Apparently Marseille, who will not play in the Champions League next season, have withdrawn from the race to sign Giroud because the player is very keen on playing in Europe's top club competition and Anigo feels that if his current club can offer him that experience, he could chose to stay in France.

"I don't believe he will leave France this summer because he will want to play with Montpellier in the Champions League," Anigo was quoted as saying.

The sounds coming from the Montpellier camp are equally problematic for Wenger's ambitions, with club owner Louis Nicollin understood to be reluctant to part with his star player for less than £40 million.

Meanwhile, Wenger knows he must make room in the dressing room at the Emirates by offloading fringe and unwanted players before making any more additions. The list of players reported to be on their way out of the club includes Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, who has had a terrible time in England since his transfer from French club Bordeaux.

The 28 year old, in another report by The Sun, is now understood to have been told he will be welcomed back by his former club, providing he is willing to take a pay cut. According to a report by the Daily Mail, the forward makes £60,000 per week.

"I have spoken with Marouane and told him that he is welcome at Bordeaux and that we still have room for him. The main problem will be financial because he has tasted the salaries in England and Arsenal will ask for a fee," explained Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triuad.