West Ham United have been linked with the Arsenal man.
Steve Nicol has told ESPN that he believes Olivier Giroud will wind up joining West Ham United, stating the Arsenal man is “ideal” for the Hammers.
The Mirror reported this week that West Ham were willing to stump up £20 million for the France striker – and match his £130,000 wages in what would be a major signal of intent by the Irons this summer.
An arrival by Alexandre Lacazette to North London could offset the 30-year-old’s departure, with Giroud netting 12 Premier League goals in 11 starts last season.
He would arguably be a big upgrade on any striking option which Slaven Bilic currently has in his West Ham squad, and former Liverpool man Nicol believes the switch across London is going to happen.
He told ESPN: “I think this is going to happen. I think this is ideal for West Ham.
“At the moment West Ham need a centre-forward who can chip in with goals, hold the ball up and be available week in and week out so yes I believe Giroud is going to go to West Ham.”
The towering Frenchman has been an underrated player at Arsenal since his arrival from Montpellier in 2012, and the Gunners’ faithful might miss him more than they anticipate.
He has been a very divisive figure in his five years at the club, but he has produced for them and he would be a fine signing by Bilic.
There is a big question mark over a £20 million price-tag, and such big wages, but if he brings West Ham to a new level then it is hard to argue that he isn’t worth the money.
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