Olivier Giroud reveals Arsenal transfer speculation surrounding Jackson Martinez 'spurred me on'

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that the Gunners' interest in Porto's Jackson Martinez has "spurred" him on to produce his best form.

The French striker has scored 11 goals for Arsene Wenger's side this season, and says that hearing the Gunners being linked with other strikers makes him raise his game.

"I hear people say, 'They have Giroud and [Danny] Welbeck but they need a world-class striker.' Meaning, us, we're not world-class forwards.

"It spurs you on. Recently, there was a buzz around [Porto striker] Jackson Martinez.

"The coach has said good things about him, the player has said he would like to come. I learned that before the Middlesbrough game [a 2-0 win].

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"It gave me added motivation. I was very happy to score those two goals."