It only seems like yesterday that Olivier Giroud joined Chelsea, but now the former Arsenal striker is being linked with a move to West Ham.
Olivier Giroud is adored by both Chelsea and Arsenal fans. There’s something about his beautiful face that you just can’t hate, unless of course you’re a Tottenham fan. That could all change though, because Giroud is reportedly in line for West Ham interest come January, according to The Mirror.
It’s not the first time the Londoners have been interested in his services, if I remember rightly from his time in the north of the capital.
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Giroud has been influential to Chelsea so far, and he has made Alvaro Morata watch from the sidelines for a large majority of the time. The Frenchman has scored many important goals, including an unexpected solo goal at Wembley to send his side the FA Cup final, which they went on to win.
That said, it’s not difficult to see why Chelsea are interested in acquiring his services. He’s a winner, and no matter where he goes, he wants to win. However, I can’t help but be a little confused by the news.
West Ham aren’t in dire need of a striker, let’s not forget. Marko Arnautovic is 6th in the league in terms of goals scored, scoring a total of four so far. He’s shown impressive form under Manuel Pellegrini, making the strikers role his own.
When Giroud was at Arsenal, he did show signs that he would work in an attacking duo. Obviously, he never really got the chance with Alexandre Lacazette, but there were certainly signs that the partnership could work. But, of course, Arnautovic is no Lacazette.
Arnautovic actually plays a similar role to Giroud, in the sense that he likes to compete in aerial battles with opposing defenders. To me, there is no logic in signing two target men.
Giroud ages at 32, so he will want to squeeze every last minute on the pitch for what its worth before he inevitably hangs up his boots. At West Ham, it should be much easier for him to get game time, but I can’t see anyone coming in to kick out Arnautovic.
It will be interesting to see which way the World Cup winner sways, but if he has any sense, then he will remain at Chelsea.
Do you think West Ham have any chance of signing Giroud?