Olivier Giroud's explanation for snubbing Arsenal transfer reunion speaks volumes

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed he turned down the chance to reunite with ex-team-mate Laurent Koscielny at Lorient. Koscielny, who now serves as sporting director at Lorient, was unable to convince his friend to join him, with the forward choosing to ply his trade at Lille instead.

The former Chelsea forward endured a less-than-stellar stint in the MLS with Los Angeles FC, where he scored just five goals in 38 appearances. He chose to fly back across the pond and return to France, where he will be competing in the Europa League. Giroud and Koscielny have many memories, winning three FA Cups with each other at the Emirates Stadium. But their friendship and old memories were not enough for them to reunite at Lorient.

Speaking to Canal Plus, Giroud said: "He (Koscielny) sounded me out. I was honest with him. I told him that there was a chance the adventure (with LAFC) would end this summer because it didn't make sense to stay when I wasn't enjoying myself. So he stepped into the breach. Lolo (Koscielny) and I are close."

Despite returning to Ligue 1 as champions of the second tier, Lorient were in need of a new forward after last season's top scorer Eli Junior Kroupi returned to parent club Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Lille had also lost their top scorer Jonathan David to Juventus.

Giroud admitted the prospect of playing Europa League football influenced his decision, saying: "When I had Lille, I had to say, 'Mate, these are two different projects.' You're promoted and will be playing to stay up, and with Lille, it is something else. They're playing in Europe and at the top of the table in Ligue 1'. He (Koscielny) understood."

Giroud's reasoning suggests he is still motivated to play at the highest level, despite being in the twilight years of his career. He is evidently still hungry to compete in Europe, despite winning the Europa League and the Champions League while at Chelsea.

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The Lille general was absent for their third fixture of the campaign, which took place away at Lorient. The away side secured a commanding 7-1 triumph to move up to third place in the standings, which would have left Koscielny furious.

They find themselves languishing in 16th position with three points from three matches. Their solitary victory came in the form of a comprehensive 4-0 success against Rennes, with starting forward Sambou Soumano finding the net.

Lille will resume their campaign against Toulouse following the international hiatus. Subsequently, they will commence their Europa League journey against Brann.

Lorient's upcoming fixture pits them against last term's Ligue 1 runners-up Marseille. Roberto De Zerbi's side have endured a sluggish beginning to the new season, claiming one victory at home to newly promoted Paris FC whilst suffering defeat in their other two outings.