Turkish giants, Fenerbahçe has emerged as one of the destinations for Olivier Giroud as a replacement for veteran striker Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman’s contract is set to end in another six months and there have been no further talks of an extension.
“Ideally, I want to play until I’m 40 – maybe I can even stretch that to 42 – but that’s what I want because this is what I love doing and it’s what I’ve done my whole life” the Dutch striker was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
Robin Van Persie’s form in front of goal declined after winning the Golden Boot Award with Manchester United in the 2013/14 season. His goal scoring for the Turkish outfit has been decent with 40 goals in 91 appearances.
Giroud is definitely a prime candidate to replace him in the lone striker role. His strength and aerial ability are well suited to meet the physical requirements of the Süper Lig.
Giroud’s chances at Arsenal got cut short this season after the arrival of compatriot Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. The 31-year-old has been dropped from the starting lineup except in the club’s Europa league fixtures and domestic cup appearances. But the lack of minutes in the Premier League has not slowed him down one bit. Giroud has one of the best goal conversion rates with 4 goals in 14 substitute appearances in the league.
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 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.
The former Montpellier striker is still highly regarded by Arsene Wenger and is in his plans for the club’s future. But with the last chance to play in a centre stage of the planet, Giroud might be motivated to find himself another club.
Fenerbahce are well within touching distance of the league leaders Istanbul Basaksehir in the third spot of the points table. With no place in European competitions, they are well favoured to win the domestic honours and require a proven goal scoring talent for their future.
