Tottenham are reportedly plotting a shock move to swoop Olivier Giroud away from Chelsea, offering the French striker an 18-month deal.
According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Olivier Giroud has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham. The North London club have approached the French international over a late move in the current transfer window, offering the Chelsea striker an 18-month deal.
Fabrizio Romano offered further update on Giroud’s shock links with Tottenham, suggesting that Spurs have submitted an enquiry for the 33-year-old. Chelsea, though, are not yet open to the idea of parting selling Giroud to their fierce London rivals.
Tottenham have made an inquiry for Olivier Giroud. He’s a possibility as Krzysztof Piatek (still no agreement with AC Milan) – Chelsea are not convinced yet to sell him to Spurs.
Bergwijn will sign his contract as new Tottenham player on next hours. Here we go! ⚪️ #THFC #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2020
Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018 and over the last couple of years, he has been mostly used as a backup striker by Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri and Frank Lampard alike. This season, though, has been the lowest ebb for the Frenchman, who is third in the pecking order for strikers at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, Giroud has started just three games across all competitions so far this term, failing to make even the matchday squad for most games of late. Things have, thus, finally reached a head for the veteran striker, who has reportedly been eager to leave Chelsea this month.
With the UEFA Euro 2020 coming up in the summer, Giroud needs playing time in order to stand a chance of representing France at the tournament. To that end, calling it quits at Chelsea does seem to be the logical choice. Inter Milan were heavily linked with a move, but have now pulled the plug on a winter transfer. Tottenham, though, are ready to offer an escape route.
Tottenham have reportedly been in the market for a striker this month owing to Harry Kane’s long-term absence due to a hamstring injury. With Kane sidelined, Jose Mourinho has no recognised striker at his disposal, which is why the former Chelsea boss has been eager to secure the services of a centre-forward in the current window.
A move for Krzysztof Piatek has been mooted, but there have been very few developments lately on that front. Now, though, Giroud has emerged as a target for Tottenham, who have initiated talks with the Frenchman and have even offered him an 18-month deal.
However, Tottenham face an uphill task in his pursuit, with Chelsea not open to the idea of selling him to their rivals yet. With just a couple of days left for the January transfer window to slam shut, the North Londoners will have to move quickly in order to secure the services of Giroud.
If they are able to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a move, Tottenham will have made Giroud their fourth January signing, after landing Giovani Lo Celso, Gedson Fernandes and Steven Bergwijn this month. For now, it remains to be seen if a second cross-London switch sees the light of the day for the 33-year-old.
