Arsène Wenger reveals why he sold Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott | OneFootball

Olivier Giroud was part of a merry-go-round that saw Michy Batshuayi land at Borussia Dortmund.

The loan facilitated Arsenal’s €63m move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In an interview with the Arsenal official website, Wenger revealed why he chose to let Giroud and Theo Walcott leave.

“All our fans knew that Theo did not leave because he had any problem with Arsenal.

“It was just because he wanted to play and wanted to give himself a chance because he didn’t get enough games here. Today, people are informed and you don’t fool them. Theo is experienced, is a real Arsenal lover and is a guy who always respected the fans and the club.

“It was completely justified and I’m very happy that he got a great reception.

“[Giroud] left for similar reasons to Theo Walcott, by being sad to leave but also objective enough to analyse his situation. His professional career demanded that he moved, but his heart wanted him to stay.”