Bordeaux enquire after Olivier Giroud — report

After reported interest from Olympique Lyonnais and, earlier, Marseille, Girondins de Bordeaux have now made an enquiry for Olivier Giroud, the target-man that the Belgian prince himself, Eden Hazard has described as the best in the world.

Bordeaux don’t have the budget for extravagant transfer fees, but can offer decent salaries, which would suit the situation, in theory, seeing as how Giroud’s without a contract for next season at the moment.

Even though Maurizio Sarri hasn’t given starter-level minutes to Giroud this season, the Chelsea boss wants to keep the veteran striker in the squad next season as well, presumably due to his knack for making an impact from the bench and his positive influence in the dressing room. Chelsea do have the option to extend the 32-year-old’s contract by a year, which would certainly be useful (and even needed?) if Chelsea are unsuccessful in delaying the impending FIFA transfer ban. Recent reports have claimed that Chelsea are set to activate the clause already.

Olivier Giroud is one of the most, if not the most underrated player wearing a Chelsea shirt today, despite a consistently goal-filled and highly decorated club career, including key contributions to France’s World Cup title last summer.

He recently reached double-digits in goals for the 12th straight season, and yet he’s started just sporadically in the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, Giroud has spoken of his desire to play a more prominent and important role — and we don’t mean a role as the Green Goblin — next season. So while he’d prefer to stay in England, his primary motivation will be to play.