CHELSEA’S veteran striker Olivier Giroud could leave the club in January to get more valuable playing time.
The striker, who nearly left the club at the beginning of 2020, has yet to start a Premier League game for Frank Lampard this season.
Olivier Giroud looks set to leave Chelsea after falling down the pecking orderCredit: EPA
Giroud was handed a start against Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday night, where he scored all four goals in the 4-0 win.
Bur despite his man of the match display, he still may find himself on the bench against Leeds on Saturday.
Chelsea may allow the 34-year-old to leave in the New Year if he pushes for a move, as a gesture of thanks for his loyal service.
Here are some of the options where he could end up…
INTER MILAN
A reunion with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in Italy could be the most appealing option for Giroud.
It was the Inter Milan manager who signed the France ace from Arsenal in January 2018 before he was sacked six months later.
But SunSport recently revealed Conte is set to return for Giroud again as he looks to add support for main striker Romelu Lukaku.
However it is understood that Juventus are also looking to bring him to Serie A.
Giroud could look to reunite with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
INTER MIAMI
SunSport previously revealed that Giroud is a January transfer target for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
And should he make the move, he could be partnered by former Chelsea team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.
Giroud himself admitted he was keen on a move to the MLS before he hangs up his boots.
He told RMC back in 2019: “MLS, for my family, my kids who speak English… it’s interesting.
“In a year? In two years? I don’t know when. But of course after that I’ll be open to a final challenge.”
Giroud could reunite with former Chelsea team-mate Higuain in Miami
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
A return to France could also be on the cards for Giroud following his success at Montpellier before his 2012 move to Arsenal.
Lyon failed in a move for the 34-year-old in January while Paris Saint-Germain have since been made the bookies’ favourite to complete a move.
AS claimed that PSG are eyeing Giroud as a replacement for Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.
And speaking to RTL, the World Cup winner indicated he could be open to a return to domestic French football.
Giroud said: “I’m not afraid to go down a level to have more playing time. It could be I end my career in France.”
WEST HAM
The Hammers recently emerged as shock favourites to sign Giroud in January on a short-term deal.
David Moyes is desperate for extra firepower following Sebastien Haller’s struggles since his £45 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt last year.
Giroud is thought to be settled in London and his agent admitted last week that playing for a third Premier League club is not out of the question.
Michael Manuello told Foot Mercato: “A new English club with ambitions could also give him some thinking to do because the big difference with the Premier League is that it remains an extraordinary league, which offers a different form of pleasure.
“So if a really good Premier League club came knocking, that could be a major factor.”
TOTTENHAM
A less likely option is for Jose Mourinho to revive his interest in Giroud having failed with a move for the veteran striker earlier this year.
The ex-Chelsea boss targeted the current Stamford Bridge star to provide back-up to Harry Kane at Spurs.
And despite his ties to Arsenal, Giroud admitted he was close to returning to North London to feature for their arch-rivals.
Speaking to So Foot, he revealed: “During the last three days of the transfer window, I was in the coach’s office to find a solution.
“I was hoping Chelsea would find a replacement for me.
“For my part, it was not the solutions that were lacking. I almost signed for Lazio, Inter.
“I was even so determined to leave that I even almost signed for Tottenham.”
Yet it remains to be seen whether Spurs will reignite their bid to land Giroud following the arrival of Carlos Vinicius.
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Olivier Giroud scores two wonder goals in Chelsea training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
