Marseille are rumored to be interested in Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
According to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, French club Olympique de Marseille have made Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud their “number one transfer target.” Their target price is reportedly in the region of £20 million.
They’re also said to be interesting in buying Frenchman Yohan Cabaye from Crystal Palace.
Marseille’s hypothetical purchase of Giroud move would be beneficial for all parties involved.
Giroud’s production saw a slight decline this year, so he might benefit from the supposedly lower level of competition offered by Ligue 1 compared to the Premier League. He’s scored only nine league goals in 21 appearances this year compared to last year’s 16 goal in 38 outings.
Bearing in mind that the season isn’t completely over yet, those numbers still reflect some sort of decline. It’s possible he might be looking for a bit of easier competition.
"WATCH: @OM_Officiel interested in @Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and @CPFC midfielder Yohan Cabaye. #SSNHQ https://t.co/SNoCKHdNmM— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) April 24, 2017"
Giroud is turning 31 this year. If Football Manager has taught me anything, that means it’s the best time to sell him. It would be wise of Arsenal to sell him while he still demands price like 20 million. Giroud will be somewhat redundant at striker if they manage to prevent Alexis Sanchez from leaving following this season.
Marseille, meanwhile, are looking to regain the relevance that has evaded them the past few years.
They haven’t won Ligue 1 since 2010, haven’t won the Coupe de la Ligue since 2012 and it’s been over 25 years since they hoisted the Coupe de France trophy. This year, they aren’t likely to finish any higher than sixth.
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The addition of the experienced Giroud would help the team as the push into league contention next year. The squad is currently devoid of top-level talent up front, with the exception of fellow countryman Dmitry Payet, who was purchased in January.
The news that they are also looking to Yohan Cabye marks a pattern, as he and Payet are also both over 30. It’s hard to say what their plans for the future are, but it seems like they are adopting a “win-soon” mentality for the time being after years of mediocrity.