Tony Cascarino has told talkSPORT (25/11/20 at 7:35 am) that Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace-linked Olivier Giroud [CalcioMercato] will have to move in January amid increasing pressure from his national boss.
178 minutes is the magic number that Giroud has been able to muster at Stamford Bridge this season in all competitions and, Didier Deschamps made it clear to him that his current situation ‘cannot drag on forever’ ahead of the delayed Euro 2020, as quoted by talkSPORT.
There is clear pressure for Giroud to leave when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year unless he gets more game time – he will be hoping his late winner in the Champions League on Tuesday night will help him along the way.
Cascarino, who played as a striker for the likes of Millwall and Aston Villa, shared how Giroud is someone who has ‘won quite a lot’ in his career and these weeks are going to a ‘big challenge’ for him as he tries to decide his future.
“If you look at Olivier Giroud’s career, he has won quite a lot,” said Cascarino. “He’s won the league in France. He’s had eight years in England and scored over 100 goals for Arsenal.
“Then you think, he has won three FA Cups, he has won the World Cup and he has won the Europa League with Chelsea. He has been a fantastic servant for all the clubs. He has been one of the best foreign imports to come to these shores.
“If Deschamps says to him ‘you have got to be playing. I need you to be playing more minutes’ Then you are going to have to move. I think that’s the bigger problem. Lampard is totally happy with him and would love for him to stay at the football club.
“He’s the second-highest goalscorer in French football. He’s been an absolutely great asset for club and country. I think Frank has told him how he feels and how he needs him. But what Deschamps is saying to him. We have heard him being vocal about Pogba. So, there are some big challenges for Olivier.
“Well, it’s going to be January [when he starts thinking about moving because of the Euro’s] isn’t it? I think Giroud will want more minutes. Frank’s saying he will get them, but the proof will be in the pudding.”
Giroud isn’t perhaps needed at Tottenham now given the depth that they have but you can bet your bottom dollar that a manager like Jose Mourinho would try to prize him in.
But a move to Spurs wouldn’t suit the 105-cap France international because he wouldn’t get the game time and that’s where the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace come into the picture.
Giroud would thrive in their environments, he doesn’t have to move out of London and he’ll earn the much-needed minutes on the pitch.
Either way, the 2018 World Cup winner has a big decision to make in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
