Atletico Madrid are considering launching an offer to sign Chelsea star Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window, which could be open to a move in order to gain regular playing time.
The 34-year-old has struggled to make it into the Blues’ starting lineup this season, although he showed his class when given the opportunity, scoring nine goals in 15 appearances in all competitions.
Giroud’s impressive consistency has helped him retain his place as France’s top-choice striker, and with the revamped Euro 2020 tournament just around the corner this summer, he may be forced to look elsewhere for first-team football.
13 goals in his last 13 starts for Chelsea! ?
Giroud is so reliable when called upon! pic.twitter.com/FB89qqxyr1
– 90min (at 90min_Football) December 5, 2020
And according to Rai Sport in Italy (via The Mirror), Diego Simeone and Atleti are considering a January move for the Frenchman, replacing Diego Costa, whose contract was recently terminated by the Spanish giants.
Los Rojiblancos are looking for another striker to challenge Luis Suarez on the front row, having prematurely ended Costa’s time at Wanda Metropolitano. The Spain international joined Atleti in January 2018 but suffered terribly from poor form and injury, and it has emerged in the club’s and player’s best interest to part ways.
The move could leave the door open for Giroud to head to La Liga, where he could get the goals and minutes he needs to anchor a place at Euro 2020. He has once again failed to surpass Tammy Abraham as Chelsea’s main forward, and the summer arrival of Timo Werner pushed him even further down the pecking order.
With only six months left on his current contract, Giroud could either leave the Blues for a fee in January or pre-arrange a free transfer to another club this summer, when his contract expires on June 30.
Giroud touched on the subject of his future in a recent interview with Sky Sports, admitting that he is “just trying to make the squad”, but gave little indication that he was desperate to leave Stamford Bridge. to increase his minutes in the field.
“I’m the happiest man when I’m on the pitch.
“We’ll see what happens in the next few months, but I just want to keep my efficiency high.
“When I’m not on the pitch, I just try to be part of the team. I really want the best for this team and I really believe we have a great opportunity to win something at Chelsea with this great team.
“I’m just going to continue like this and try to continue.”
