Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window. The Italian team are apparently looking for a backup for former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku at Inter.
According to Calciomercato, Giroud is one of the many strikers that Inter want to sign, and the former Arsenal striker is an inexpensive option for manager Antonio Conte. The other strikers that are also linked with a switch to Inter are Andrea Petagna, Kevin Lasagna, and Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, whom they may bring in on loan from the Spanish giants.
Giroud is now the second choice option for Chelsea manager Frank Lampard this season, with youngster Tammy Abraham firmly ahead of him in the pecking order. The 32-year-old French striker has started just one Premier League game so far and has made two substitute appearances, but is yet to get off the mark. He has scored one goal so far this season, against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup.
The former Arsenal striker moved to Chelsea in the 2018 January transfer window and has scored 19 goals for the Blues in 68 appearances.
Should the Blues let him leave?
Olivier Giroud has been a useful option for the Blues over the last three seasons, but his time at the London club may have come to an end thanks to the form of Tammy Abraham. Chelsea could let the Frenchman leave as Lampard seems to be someone who has put his trust wholeheartedly in Abraham.
Lampard and Abraham
Recent reports had suggested that Chelsea’s transfer ban may be overturned and they will be able to sign players in the January transfer window. This means that the Blues can very well sign a replacement for Giroud if their transfer ban is lifted while Michy Bayshuayi also remains an option. The Belgian seems to be a player who will need the full backing of the manager if he is to belatedly justify his move to Chelsea and there is a doubt whether he has that from Lampard.
Giroud has never been a prolific goalscorer and has rather been someone who has helped other players in and around him score goals. The striker, who turns 33 later this month, is past his best and may not have a lot to offer in the Chelsea team.
With Lampard building a young team that could compete for titles in the future, the Chelsea manager should bring in a young striker to replace him or promote a player from the youth team.
There is also the small factor of whether Giroud will prefer playing second fiddle to Lukaku but a new challenge might entice him to finally quit the Premier League after a fairly successful stint.