Aston Villa have lost their first-choice striker Wesley to an injury, and they are now looking to bring in experienced Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud to replace him.
The Lions, though, will have to battle Inter Milan for his signature as Nerazzurri manager Antonio Conte wants to reunite with the French striker, whom he managed at Chelsea.
According to Telegraph, Inter are willing to pay £2.5 million for the 33-year-old striker, whose contract with the London club expires in the summer.
The World Cup-winning forward has hardly had any game time under Frank Lampard this season, playing just 7 times so far. Giroud will need to get some game time ahead if he wants to be selected for France’s Euro 2020 squad.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Aston Villa signing Olivier Giroud:
Pros
Giroud comes with massive experience, having played over 250 games for Arsenal and 70 for Chelsea in his seven and a half year spell in England, which will allow him to settle down with his new team quickly.
The Frenchman is a very good link player, who can be a menace when played alongside a quicker, smaller partner beside or behind him. Giroud is very good in the air and can hold up the ball well to bring other people into play.
He could combine well with Villa’s talisman, the very talented Jack Grealish, who has played off the left, cutting into central areas, as well as the No. 10 role for his side this season. Grealish’s trickery, pace, technique and good finishing could work well with an experienced pro like Giroud around him.
Giroud will also be available for a cheap price tag, which will be an added bonus for the Villans.
Cons
Giroud is an excellent link player, someone who can create chances for others, but over the last few seasons, he hasn’t scored too many himself.
The Frenchman has scored just 19 goals in 70 appearances for Chelsea, which is not good enough for a Premier League striker.
Villa need a goal-scorer who can help them fend off relegation, which could be something that Giroud may not be able to do.
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