Olivier Giroud is reportedly a target for two Italian clubs, after quotes emerged this week from the French striker claiming he won’t renew his contract
The French international spoke earlier this week about his disappointment at being left on the bench earlier in the season, and seems to be edging towards a move away from Arsenal.
Further quotes have emerged now from the striker himself, where he appears to confirm that this could be his last season at Arsenal.
According to Calciomercato.com, Giroud said :
” I am not someone who complains much and I will always give it my all for this shirt. I will fight hard to earn a starting spot, this until my contract expires with the club. Once my contract expires, then I would like to find myself a team that will give me the chance to play more”.
Although Giroud’s current contract runs until 2018, the striker is already 30 years of age, and Arsene Wenger is notorious for shipping out attacking players once they cross that age.
And, again according to Calciomercato.com, the target man is a prime target for both Napoli and AC Milan.
They report both clubs are looking for options up front, after Napoli were hit by a long-term injury to Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik and Carlos Bacca’s future at AC Milan is increasingly unclear.
Earlier in the season, West Ham flop Simone Zaza was linked with Napoli but after Giroud’s recent quotes, Napoli might rethink that move.
There is no doubt that Giroud would be a significant upgrade on Zaza, and it would not be surprising to see clubs of their ilk interested in the Frenchman.
Although he has been relegated to the bench for most games this season, Giroud has still had a big role in Arsenal’s 16-match unbeaten run, coming off the bench to ignite a comeback against Sunderland and scoring in Napoli’s dramatic 3-2 win over Ludogorets.
The striker himself seems to think that his time at Arsenal is coming to an end, so there is every chance there could be a lot of truth to these rumours.