As per recent reports, Chelsea have now turned their attention towards Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman was being considered by Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal along with the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer, but the Gunners have rejected the move.
Antonio Conte is scouring the transfer market to find a second choice striker ahead of Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian has fallen out of favour with Conte and is also being linked with multiple European clubs. Batshuayi has racked up a decent tally of 10 goals in 24 appearances this season but still cannot pick up second string minutes in the cup competitions.
Alvaro Morata’s arrival to the Stamford Bridge has faced a shaky period in recent weeks. The Spaniard’s £58m price tag looked like a bargain when he started off the season in scintillating form netting the ball 9 times in the early stages of the campaign. But the tide has shifted and so has Morata’s run of form with the former Galactico missing out on clear-cut opportunities.
While the fans at the Bridge are venting over their displeasure with the number nine, Conte is trying to find a replacement or at least a support figure to Eden Hazard for the final stretch of the season. The Blues have been linked with almost every striker in the Premier League along with a transfer offer for AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko.
But none of the rumours have really materialised and it looks like Conte will have to take a further leap in his search for a proven goalscorer – wading through the ranks of rival clubs.
Giroud’s chances at Arsenal got cut short this season after the arrival of compatriot Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. But the lack of minutes in the Premier League has not slowed him down one bit. He has been impressive for the national team as well scoring a hat trick against Paraguay in 2nd June. A hat-trick for Les Blues after 17 years.
But France national team assistant manager, Guy Stephan had stated that Giroud might lose his spot for the side if he fails to appear regularly for the remainder of the season. A striker with rusty boots will not help the country in their World Cup run which is scheduled to start right after the season ends.
Giroud has been loyal to the Gunners for over half a decade now and is still in Arsene Wenger’s plans at least for the remainder of the season. He is set to return to the squad in the next few weeks and will be crucial in their Europa League campaign. If a move to Dortmund has been ruled out, it is highly unlikely that Wenger will sanction a move to their direct rivals in the Premier League.
