Remi Garde: Won't be selling his players to Arsenal

The former Arsenal player has a close relationship with manager Arsene Wenger having played under him during the late 1990s.

Garde told French newspaper L'Equipe: "There are stories about some players leaving the club. The last few years we have won the Coupe de France and finished third in the league.

"Am I keen to accept the transfer of Gonalons and Grenier? No, because they are exactly in our project and I want to build the team around them. If Grenier achieved such a level it is because he has worked so hard.

"We have been much more demanding with him like all our young players. But, he convinced everyone, he did everything to be at the core of our project in the coming years."

Garde went on to state that he hoped Yoann Gourcuff would remain at the club too.

He added: "I cannot tell you I don't want to work with Yoann anymore, it would be dishonest."

L'Equipe also confirmed that Lyon officials have started talks with Sochaux about a possible deal for full-back Sebastien Corchia.

The 22 year old is under contract until 2015 but is said to be interested in a move to Lyon despite being linked with Werder Bremen and Schalke.