Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Olivier Giroud next summer, with Inter Milan targeting the Arsenal striker as well
According to a report in Italian publication Calciomercato, Olivier Giroud is the subject of interest from Juventus, who are eyeing the Arsenal striker as a strike partner for Gonzalo Higuain. Inter Milan are also interested in signing the France international next summer.
Giroud has endured a topsy-turvy career at Arsenal since joining the club in the summer of 2012. The player has been a consistent goalscorer for the Gunners over the last five years, but has often frustrated due to his tendency to drift out of games.
After being the firm first-choice striker at the Emirates, he lost his place as a regular last season, and has now become a bit part player since the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old boasts an impressive record of 100 goals and 41 assists in 238 appearances for Arsenal – a goal every 152 minutes.
Juventus & Inter both are interested in Arsenal’s striker Oliver Giroud and could make a move next summer for the French. [CM.it] pic.twitter.com/0Sl2IvgDkP
— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuve2017) October 10, 2017
With the Frenchman no longer a regular starter for the Gunners, his future has become the subject of intense speculation, even as the player has reaffirmed his commitment to the club. The same was the case throughout the summer as well, with Everton in particular keen on signing him.
But with regular first-team football hard to come by, Giroud could be forced to consider his future at the Emirates. Two clubs in Italy are prepared to hand him a reprieve, with Juventus and Inter Milan eyeing a possible deal for him.
Juventus, in particular, seem keen on signing him, with the future of Mario Mandzukic uncertain, despite signing a contract renewal in May. Even if Mandzukic ends up staying, Giroud’s addition could help Massimiliano Allegri add another dimension to his side’s attack, should he pair him up with Gonzalo Higuain up front.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan also appear to be interested in signing Giroud as they view the Frenchman as a better alternative to Eder in attack. However, with captain Mauro Icardi going strong in Luciano Spalletti’s side, the player could again see himself playing second fiddle, albeit at a new club.
Therefore, the move to Juventus sounds more appealing, although it remains to be seen if any other club emerges in pursuit of the Frenchman, offering a larger role. It will now be interesting to see if the two Italian rivals launch the offensive for Giroud, who is currently stuttering slightly at Arsenal.
