Three top clubs in for Olivier Giroud, but would Chelsea replace him?
Will they even let him leave? And who could be said replacement?
Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Inter Miami are all keen on signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud this January, as per reports.
Antonio Conte has always been an admirer of the big centre forward, so Inter seems an obvious place for him to go to.
But the question is, will Chelsea even let him leave?
I believe they might if he asks to go, due to the fact that he has been a great servant for Chelsea and always respectful and professional going about his business. He has not once moaned or shown any type of attitude issues despite being largely just a backup striker at Stamford Bridge. As a result of this, I feel the club will grant him his request.
He will ask to leave, that I am almost totally sure of. He needs game time ahead of the Euros this summer and he isn’t getting it at Chelsea right now.
So the next question would be, do Chelsea need a replacement to let him go?
I think they do, yes.
If we have one long-term injury to either Timo Werner or Tammy Abraham, then we are left with just one out and out striker.
Werner and Abraham are also a little more similar, and ironically I feel we would need a Giroud-type forward to come in and challenge them.
But what kind of striker would be willing to accept a bit-part role?
I think either one at the latter end of his career who is happy to just have a new challenge and to try out the Premier League, or a younger striker who perhaps has shown potential but not enough to demand to be a regular starter just yet. Maybe a temporary loan deal, or a cheap short-term purchase. Low risk, drama free.
Who could Chelsea target?
Here are a few ‘older’ options who might consider a move to Chelsea for a new challenge, or just to experience playing for Chelsea, or in the Premier League.
Klaas Jan-Huntelaar
He’s 37-years old now and has had an excellent decorative career scoring lots of goals. Perhaps he could be tempted at one swansong in one of the few top European leagues he has never played in.
His contract runs out this summer, so Chelsea could sign him for cheap in January.
Mario Mandzukic
Another player who has been there and done that all over the world. But at just 34-years old still, he can certainly still do the job if called upon, and he’s also without a club currently.
Fernando Llorente
As with Huntelaar, 35-year old Llorente’s contract runs out in the summer so will be next to nothing for a fee. But he has played in the Premier League before, but would probably rather go somewhere he can play regular at this late stage of his career.
Daniel Sturridge
Blast from the past right? His Agent is currently looking for a club for him, could a return to Chelsea be on the cards? I highly doubt it, but he could be a decent backup option on a free as a temporary solution.
He can also play wide as well as up front, and he’s still only 31-years old.
Wilfried Bony
Another former Premier League player, which is good for the experience side. Bony is without a club currently and could be another decent backup option if he was prepared to take that for a return to England. He’s still only 31-years old believe it or not!
These are just a few potential options, but Chelsea may prefer to go the opposite direction and either not replace Giroud at all, or go out and sign a much better younger striker to rival Abraham, baring in mind Werner has also been playing wide.
We shall see.