As per one of the latest reports by Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are one of the teams in the race to land Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud in the ongoing transfer window. The Frenchman has been a subject of interest from other clubs likes Everton and Fenerbahce as well, which implies that it would not be easy for the Geordies to lure him to St. James’ Park.
Giroud has been sporadically used by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal this season after the Gunners signed Alexandre Lacazette in the summer from Lyon. The forward has been handed merely 1 start in the Premier League so far and although he has been a regular starter in the Europa League and League Cup, he is a kind of player who would be desirous to ply his trade regularly.
After their promotion to the top flight from the Championship, the Toon have looked sluggish up front and Rafael Benitez has not found a remedy to cure the problem despite making a handful number of ramifications. They are currently placed at the 13th spot in the league table with 22 points to their name after 22 games.
The animosity in the second half of the season will undoubtedly reach higher levels and it would be of paramount importance for the Magpies to perform. Staying above the relegation zone would be hugely important for them and to do the same, they must make the requisite additions to their squad this month to beef up its quality. Hence, signing Giroud would make a lot of sense.
The French international has been a subject of criticism for the Arsenal supporters time and again since his move to the Emirates Stadium from Montpellier in the summer of 2012. However, there aren’t many players in the game who can hold the ball better than him in the tight areas and he has indeed made a great contribution to the red half of North London. He scores important goals, creates chances and has truckloads of experience under his belt.
Giroud, alongside Dwight Gayle, would be an ideal strike force for Benitez. The 31-year-old still has some good years ahead of him and is someone who would desperate to make an impression. However, his current wage of £100,000-a-week might be a stumbling block for Newcastle United in their quest to make him sign on the dotted line but given his availability, the club should leave no stone unturned to do the same.
