Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Olivier Giroud's wife did not stop Everton move'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has laughed off suggestions that Olivier Giroud's wife has stopped the forward from joining Everton.

During the summer, the Toffees were interested in signing Giroud before the French international opted to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that Giroud's wife is against a move to Merseyside, but Wenger has insisted that was not the reason behind a potential deal breaking down.

The Frenchman told reporters: "No, I don't think so. He could have joined Everton and stayed basically in London. I don't think that was the problem."

Everton continue to be linked with a big-money move for the 31-year-old as they look for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku.