Report: Olivier Giroud ‘close’ to joining Chelsea
Chelsea seem to have their eyes on a potential backup striker in Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud.
It seems as if Chelsea have been linked with nearly every tall striker in the world this window, despite talent or age. That’s why they call it silly season. However, according to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have found their man. Chelsea and Arsenal are holding positive talks regarding the transfer of Olivier Giroud. The 31-year-old is close to joining the Blues as the end of the window looms.
Chelsea are in desperate need of a consistent backup striker. Despite Michy Batshuayi’s brace against Newcastle on Sunday, he’s been largely disappointing this season. Ideally, Chelsea are looking to send the young striker out on loan. However, they must find a replacement beforehand. Rumors had it Chelsea were after a number of strikers, from Roma’s Edin Dzeko to Stoke’s Peter Crouch. Dzeko seemed most realistic, but the deal seems to have fallen through the cracks.
Therefore, Chelsea will turn to a player they are largely familiar with — Giroud. The French striker has taken a back seat to Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal and hardly sees the pitch anymore. With the World Cup coming up, Giroud needs more playing time if he wants any shot at making the French squad. It seems as if this move benefits everybody. If the two sides agree to a deal, Giroud would likely be Chelsea’s third and final signing of the window as Roma’s Emerson Palmieri prepares for his medical at Cobham tomorrow.
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Although the deal is close, Arsenal and Chelsea are two of the three teams (the third is Borussia Dortmund) involved in a seemingly endless transfer cycle. All three clubs are unwilling to let their striker walk until a replacement is secured. Arsenal have reportedly agreed to a deal for Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Batshuayi may make a loan move to Dortmund and Chelsea want Giroud. It all comes around full circle, but who will be the catalyst?