Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud will reportedly be made available in January if the promise of regular first team football can be offered elsewhere, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
According to the journalist, “conversations have taken place” between Giroud and the Chelsea management, opening the door for a possible move to West Ham, who have recently been linked with the Frenchman.
In a further boost for the Irons, manager David Moyes is reportedly “a huge admirer” of the 34-year-old, who this week made headlines as he scored all four goals in the Blues’ Champions League thrashing of Sevilla.
🗣️ "Conversations have taken place between Giroud and the #CFC management."
✅ "They won't stand in his way if gets the chance of regular first-team football."
⚒️ "There's interest from West Ham. Moyes is a huge admirer."@Alex_Crook says #WHUFC are eyeing up Olivier Giroud. pic.twitter.com/oEui14Twsz
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 3, 2020
Giroud is out of contract in the summer and has a Transfermarkt valuation of less than £5m. Whilst this may not be close to any actual fee demanded by the Blues, it certainly indicates the potential bargain which could be available to the Hammers.
Read West Ham Verdict
Despite his age and lack of sell-on value, Giroud evidently has plenty of goals left in him, as emphatically demonstrated in midweek. He has managed six goals in just 10 appearances this season and is in fine form, despite a lack of regular starts for Chelsea.
However, that could spell short-term trouble for the likes of Michail Antonio and Sebastein Haller, both of whom have struggled with various issues. Antonio has recently suffered hamstring problems whilst Haller has struggled for regular goals since his £45m move from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019.
As a consequence, Giroud could nullify their roles if he ends up at London Stadium and shows the type of form which put Sevilla to the sword.
