La Liga Giants Keen On Chelsea Star: Can Sarri Afford To Let Him Leave?

According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid are lulling over a move for Chelsea star Olivier Giroud. The Spanish giants want to sign the French international on loan as they aim to bolster their attack this summer.

Giroud notably played a key role in France’s World Cup winning campaign. The 31-year-old appeared in all of Les Blues’ games as they lifted the coveted trophy after a long wait of 20 years.

However, Giroud has found life difficult as far as his club career is concerned. After joining from Arsenal earlier this year, the Frenchman scored three goals in 13 appearances but his place in the first team could be in doubt under new manager Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian mastermind is keen to usher in a new era at Stamford Bridge with his unique possession-based gameplay, which is a completely different ballgame from Antonio Conte’s direct style of play. Furthermore, the Blues are also expected to replace the misfiring Alvaro Morata with a new striker this summer, with Gonzalo Higuain seemingly becoming the desired choice.

Therefore, the former Montpellier striker faces a delicate situation at West London, which has ideally attracted the interest of Atletico Madrid.

Los Colchoneros finished ahead of European Champions and crosstown rivals Real Madrid in La Liga last season and head coach Diego Simeone is keen to replicate that form in the forthcoming campaign. However, their lack of attacking potency has been a huge problem, as Atletico scored the fewest goals among La Liga’s top four clubs last season with just 58.

While Kevin Gameiro managed to chip in with seven goals last term, former Chelsea superstar Diego Costa has struggled with form, having scored just three league goals since joining the club in January.

Thus, Simeone’s men are in desperate need of someone who can not only contribute to their goalscoring tally but also replace the departing Fernando Torres. The former Liverpool star joined Japanese giants Sagan Tosu on a free transfer earlier this summer.

Although Giroud’s lack of goals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign has attracted a series of criticism from fans all around the globe, he could prove to be a key asset for the Spanish giants upfront. Aside from boasting an ample amount of experience in top-flight football, the Frenchman also has a brilliant work ethic, which was depicted in his performances with France.

Therefore, he is a tailor-made fit for Simeone’s hard-working Atletico side as they once again look to pose a strong threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title next season.

However, it remains to be seen if Chelsea, providing they sell Alvaro Morata, are willing to let go of their star-striker given the fact that they could find it difficult to sign a backup striker this summer, should Gonzalo Higuain arrive at the club.

Stats Courtesy: Whoscored