Chelsea: Olivier Giroud will not be sold this summer
Olivier Giroud recently signed a one-year extension with Chelsea after January rumors predicted his exit.
In a recent interview, Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud stated the Coronavirus had a lot to do with his staying in west London. The 33-year-old has spent his last seven years in London, the last three seasons with Chelsea. He didn’t want to leave the country or move his family considering the uncertainty around the virus and a potential move.
With the impact of the virus still being felt across the globe and now another season left on the striker’s contract, it’s difficult to see Giroud leaving this summer. Whether or not he sees out the end of his contract will depend on whether or not the Blues bring in another forward this transfer window. Regardless, Chelsea fans will likely get another season of Giroud.
Giroud failed to see the pitch for much of the first half of the season, which prompted discussion around a January exit. The Blues chose not to offload the Frenchman, which paid off for them as the season progressed and his name was called upon. Striker Michy Batshuayi fell out of favor with manager Frank Lampard due to a string of poor performances and with an injury to Tammy Abraham, Giroud found himself getting regular game time.
He’s netted three goals in 13 appearances this season, but it was his work off the ball and in transition that grabbed Lampard’s attention. Giroud has a habit of making those around him better and that’s something he did as his minutes increased. It’s likely the Blues would not be in the top four currently if it weren’t for Giroud.
After Dries Mertens signed an extension with Napoli, Giroud is the favorite to back up Abraham again next season. However, it’s not far-fetched to see the 33-year-old leaving in January in favor of more regular play time. The UEFA European Championship was pushed back to the summer of 2021 and Giroud wants to be in the French squad for the competition. The only way to do that is if he gets regular first team appearances elsewhere.
The Blues are eyeing Timo Werner and if the German joins Chelsea, Giroud would be bumped down to the club’s third-choice striker. Then and only then is it possible to see Giroud leave west London. For the time being, he’s the Blues’ back-up forward.
Next. Chelsea has no easy choice of Jadon Sancho or Kai Havertz. dark
Giroud’s always been a classy professional with Chelsea, so the Blues need to sell him when he requests a move away in the interests of his own career. However, that’s not going to be until at least the winter window unless something drastic happens to change the Frenchman’s mind.