Nikola Zigic claims interest from Arsenal was genuine

Nikola Zigic has insisted that reports linking him with Arsenal as a replacement for the injured Olivier Giroud this summer were true.

The striker, who left Birmingham City at the end of last season after running down his contract, claims that the Gunners were indeed interested in acquiring his services.

"Everything that you saw in the press was true," Zigic is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "My agent was talking with Arsenal but they finally opted for another player.

"We talked with them until the last days of the market. I am very happy because Arsenal had me on their list. I would have liked [to join them] but big teams always consider several alternatives.

"I do not rule anything in the future. I am still looking options. We're talking to several clubs and I think we will make a decision soon."

Arsenal ultimately moved to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United, and the England forward believes that his new club have everything they need to mount a title challenge.