Olivier Giroud has spoken openly about the possibility of leaving Chelsea this summer. He does not appear keen on signing a new deal.
Giroud was recruited from Arsenal in the winter of 2017, with Antonio Conte’s desires for a target-man being satisfied by the arrival of the France international.
He has proven to be a useful asset for us, threatening to break into the starting eleven at times, but more significantly being the driving force of our Europa League run.
Though from our perspective he is the ideal striker to be fielding in the competition, Giroud does not appear content with his current playing time.
Giroud is quoted by GFFN saying:
“Of course it is frustrating. Today, I feel like there is no competition since January. It is like that, I know that I will only play in the Europa League and I will try to do everything I can to be as effective and decisive as possible for the team…”
“The future could be lively this summer. I am not scared of going down a level to have more playing time. It could be that I end my career in France.”
With his contract set to expire in the summer, comments of these kind essentially confirm that we are entering the final few months with Giroud as part of the squad.
At 32-years-old, it is understandable that he wants to be playing a more significant role while he is still playing to a standard that he can compete.
If he does depart, he’ll go down as a successful acquisition – one of few of the Conte era.
