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Despite the arrival of Timo Werner and the presence of leading goalscorer Tammy Abraham, it is expected that our World Cup-winning striker, Olivier Giroud will stay for the season as well. He’s said so himself, repeatedly, while also agreeing to sign a one-year contract extension back in May.
Giroud, once dubbed the “best target man in the world” by Eden Hazard, offers qualities that none of our other centre forwards do — which he himself has pointed out as well — and he more than staked his claim with a strong showing towards the end of last season, when he scored 7 goals in 10 Premier League appearances during Project Restart.
However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have put Giroud’s name on their shortlist, and Chelsea have apparently set a paltry asking price of just €5m (a figure that was also reported in the Inter Milan version of this story two months ago).
#Juventus, nome nuovo per l'attacco: ipotesi #Giroud https://t.co/ccGrgDT7ge
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) September 10, 2020
According to the report, Juventus are facing complications in acquiring Edin Dzeko from AS Roma, thanks to Nicolo Zaniolo’s tragic ACL injury, while Luis Suarez now apparently prefers Atlético Madrid instead. The Old Lady are also looking to bring back Moise Kean from Everton on loan, but that won’t have much bearing on the situation at striker.
Di Marzio claims that Giroud has already “agreed in principle” a two-year deal with Juventus worth €4.5m a season in wages, and if he were to leave Chelsea, it would only be for Juve.
However, according to sources closer to home, the rumors about Giroud’s departure are complete hogwash, and Giroud is more than happy to lead the team as a senior member, which, again, he’s repeatedly said so as well. It certainly seems much more likely than not that Giroud will remain an integral part of Chelsea’s plans for the upcoming season.
Amid reports from Italy about a 2-year contract being agreed with Juventus last night, sources have told me Olivier Giroud is staying at #CFC & camp are not in contact with Serie A side. Giroud knows he has role to play on & off pitch as senior squad member.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) September 11, 2020
With Werner liking to play off front man, should be plenty of matches for Giroud, especially with so many fixtures being crammed in short time.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) September 11, 2020
Club will want to trim squad/raise funds to help balance books but would be surprised as things stand if Giroud is one they let go.