West Ham have emerged as shock suitors for out of favour Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud
According to James Benge of the Evening Standard, London outfit West Ham United are looking to offer French striker Olivier Giroud a way out of Arsenal, by lining up a shock summer swoop for him.
The disgruntled Arsenal front man has made his intentions clear of clocking regular playing minutes, and could look to force a move away from the club if his demands are not met by manager Arsene Wenger.
In an exclusive interview, he stated: “I have had limited playing time for several reasons but that is not to say that I lost the confidence of the coach. I will not be content with limited playing time next season.”
These comments clearly suggest that the player is open to an exit in the summer, and knows that he does not have too many good seasons at the top level as he has already started to slow down.
The long serving Arsenal head coach is understandably disappointed with Giroud’s impact in front of goal for the Gunners, and is eyeing a replacement for the under-performing 30-year-old.
Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette has been tipped as one of the favourites to move to Arsenal in the summer, in a bid to address their dilemma up front. His arrival could pave the way for an exit for Giroud.
According to reports in France (h/t The Daily Telegraph), the 30-year-old is heavily linked with a move to Lacazette’s current side Lyon, and that the Ligue 1 outfit could ask for the French striker along with a sum of money to let go of their prized asset.
However, Giroud only recently signed a new contract at the club, and for Arsenal to sell him, they will want a commendable fee in return. West Ham may fail to match the Gunners’ asking rate, and could be priced out of a move for him.
Manager Slaven Bilic endured a torrid second season at the Hammers as his side finished only five points clear of seventeenth place Watford – who finished one place above the dreaded relegation zone.
Andy Carroll has heavily under performed this past season while record signing Andre Ayew’s first season at the club was marred by injury. Giroud could be a significant upgrade on the duo, but it remains to be seen whether he would consider a move to a mid-table club.
A move to Lyon could prove to be much more of a promising aspect as it would see the 30-year-old return to his native France, and also clock regular playing minutes and serve as a replacement to Lacazette.