In a recent interview (via the Metro), Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that French forward Olivier Giroud will stay at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer. In the pre-match press conference before the Pensioners’ upcoming match versus Burnley on Monday night, Sarri addressed the media and said (via the Metro),
‘He [Giroud] is sure [to stay] because the club has an option for another year, another season.
‘I spoke to the club two days ago, and we agreed to exercise the option. So, he will remain.’
Sarri’s recent update about the French striker’s future will delight the Chelsea fans as they are desperate to see their beloved club retain their talented centre-forward for the upcoming campaign, especially with a two-transfer window FIFA transfer ban looming on the horizon.
Giroud’s Lack Of Game Time This Season
Giroud has been a sporadic option in the Pensioners squad this season as he had to play second fiddle to Alvaro Morata throughout the first half of this season. Morata’s departure and Higuain’s arrival on loan in January raised some fears that maybe he would be a squad player for the remainder of this campaign. However, the Argentine forward’s struggles have seen Giroud take up the vacant striker position at the West London club.
The French Forward’s Position At Stamford Bridge Right Now
The Chelsea boss often tends to use Hazard as a false-nine forward or Giroud to lead the line at the Bridge up front. The 32-year-old has featured in 39 matches for the Pensioners this term, scoring 12 goals while creating eight assists across all competitions. He is also vastly experienced at the international level having represented France in 89 matches and has scored 35 goals for his country thus far.
The former Arsenal forward was also a vital member of the French national team which won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer. At 32, he still has a few good years left in him to play at the highest level.
Retaining Giroud: Huge Boost For Chelsea?
Hence, retaining his services for the immediate future seems like the only logical thing to do so that the club can cope with their impending two-transfer window ban in the coming months.
All in all, Sarri’s desire to keep Giroud at West London could turn out to be a massive boost for the Blues heading into the business end of this campaign.
