Chelsea should prioritize Olivier Giroud over Edin Dzeko as window closes
With time running out in the transfer window, Chelsea should prioritize signing Olivier Giroud, not Edin Dzeko. Here are four reasons the Gunners’ bearded super-sub should wear Blue by the end of the week.
Apart from tying up the loose ends of the Ross Barkley deal, Chelsea have yet to leave an impression on the transfer window. Of course, the club is lodging bids for every Tom, Dick and Harry who is above 6 feet, without considering the manager’s obvious requirements or preferences. But with under 48 hours left in the window, Chelsea must go big or go home. The business end of the season is fast approaching.
The Emerson Palmieri deal should be close to completion. But Chelsea still need to wrap up a deal for a striker. After expressing their interest for Peter Crouch, Ashley Barnes and Andy Carroll (maybe for comedic purposes) the Chelsea board finally seemed to put their act together and make a deal with Roma for Edin Dzeko. But the talks with Dzeko’s camp seemingly broke down.
Over to the red side of London, Arsenal has all but wrapped up the signing of Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang from Dortmund, and have also acquired Henrikh Mkhitaryan. This makes Olivier Giroud (provided he is not a part of the Aubameyang deal) surplus to Arsenal’s requirements. Here is why Chelsea should snap him up.
1. Giroud would complement Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi
While Edin Dzeko has prior experience of being in a two-man centre-forward partnership, Giroud would fit Conte’s mould better. The Frenchman could be the perfect target man alongside whom Alvaro Morata and even Michy Batshuayi could thrive.
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Antonio Conte could deploy Giroud the way he deployed Fernando Llorente at Juventus. This could free up the beleaguered Morata, giving him a better chance of expressing himself. Edin Dzeko, on the other hand, would provide direct competition to Morata. And while Dzeko can play as a target man, he is not as effective as Giroud in the role.
2. Dzeko is a direct threat to Morata and Batshuayi
Dzeko would demand first team football assurances. If Antonio Conte granted those, they could unsettle Morata. Dzeko is well within his rights to set forth such conditions. He has already scored 14 goals this season for Roma in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Giroud has been relegated to the bench ever since Alexandre Lacazette arrived. Giroud simply would be making up the numbers in the Arsenal squad once Aubameyang arrives.
3. Giroud is eligible for the Champions League
As Arsenal failed to secure a Champions League qualifying berth last season, they had to settle for the unenviable Europa League. If Chelsea sign Giroud, he would not be cup-tied and could feature in the Champions League. Edin Dzeko, on the other hand, has already played for Roma in the competition and would be ineligible for Chelsea.
4. Players’ willingness
Dzeko has been in fine form for AS Roma. Prior to Chelsea’s interest he was reportedly happy in the Italian capital. Dzeko is not desperate for a move away from the Stadio Olimpico. But Olivier Giroud is desperate for a move away from the Emirates.
After signing for Arsenal in 2012, Giroud has been a consistent and honourable servant to the club. But he has never fulfilled the high hopes Arsenal fans placed in him after Robin van Persie’s departure. At Chelsea, Giroud would have a fresh start, bereft of the weight of expectations. Also, negotiations with Giroud could come to swifter end as the player is already settled in London and is willing to prove Arsenal wrong.
Next: Chelsea Tactics and Transfers: The Blues succeed despite themselves
Chelsea should prioritize Olivier Giroud over Edin Dzeko. It is imperative they sign an alternative to Michy Batshuayi and Alvaro Morata if they wish to end a dire season with some silverware.