Arsenal to offer Olivier Giroud in Mauro Icardi deal

Arsenal are prepared to offer Olivier Giroud as makeweight in the hope of signing Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi. The Gunners are desperate to recruit a new striker before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Icardi has been strongly linked with a Emirates move in recent weeks, but the Nerazzurri remain firm that their player is not for sale.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners will come up with a player-plus-cash deal for the Argentine with Giroud acting as bait in the proposed agreement.

Inter currently rate their asset in excess of £50m, but the Gunners are hopeful that Giroud plus £30m would be enough to convince the Italian side to do business.

The 23-year-old has netted a goal in every other game for his club since his move from Sampdoria in 2013.