Former Newcastle United transfer target Olivier Giroud looks set to become available once again in the January transfer window.
The Chelsea striker is desperate for game time in order to make sure of his place in France’s team for next summer’s European Championships.
Giroud, who nearly left the Blues in January before signing a one-year contract extension with Frank Lampard’s side over the summer, has been disappointed with the lack of opportunities this season.
The 34-year-old, who was heavily linked with Newcastle earlier this year, is now ready to push for a mid-season transfer unless his playing time increases over the coming weeks.
“Olivier knows it. The situation he’s in today cannot drag on forever,” France manager Didier Deschamps said ahead of Les Bleus’ 4-2 Nations League win over Sweden on Tuesday night. Before March he will have to find another situation than this one.”
Giroud is highly thought of by Deschamps and scored twice against Sweden to move onto 44 goals for his country – just seven behind Thierry Henry’s record.
But despite his continued importance to his national side, Giroud is stuck treading water at Stamford Bridge. He has only featured in six games in all competitions for Chelsea this season, registering just 154 minutes altogether, with £47million summer signing Timo Werner and in-favour-again Tammy Abraham preferred by Lampard.
Giroud now finds himself in a familiar situation – and one which he previously outlined to the Chelsea club website in June.
“I was supposed to leave in the January transfer window because I wasn’t playing much and I needed more game time to make the France squad for Euro 2020,” he said, as reported by The Chronicle. “I very nearly left the club but I really think that God wanted me to stay at Chelsea.”
The assurances Lampard made the Frenchman have not been kept and it looks increasingly likely he will seek pastures new in 2021.
Newcastle have found a reliable goalscorer in the form of Callum Wilson , who has netted six Premier League goals since his summer move from Bournemouth.
But Steve Bruce would surely like to improve on his side’s goal tally of 10 in eight league games and would relish the opportunity to sign an experienced and proven top flight goalscorer to back up Wilson.
With Andy Carroll and Joelinton both yet to get off the mark in the Premier League, don’t be surprised if Newcastle reignite their interest in the former Arsenal target man.
