According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are the most recent club to have registered their interest in Montpellier’s striker sensation Olivier Giroud. Reports suggest that Kenny Dalglish and his assistant Steve Clarke watched the Ligue 1 side’s victory over Toulouse on Friday night. Also in the stands that night was Arsenal’s chief scout Gilles Grimandi. Could we have a little transfer tussle on our hands?
Unfortunately Giroud had a bad day at the office. He struggled to influence play and even endeavoured to miss a penalty. But one poor performance should not distract from what’s been an incredible season for the 25-year-old Frenchman. He’s scored 19 goals and registered 8 assists in 29 League appearances this season. He’s been essential to Montpellier’s title charge this season and the club will be desperate not to lose him when the transfer window re-opens.
Louis Nicollin was questioned about Arsenal’s interest last January: “Arsenal? You would have to see if Arsène Wenger is interested but, as before, there is Van Persie. And at €10 million [£8.3 million]? No. Given that he still has more than two years of contract, it will cost more”.
But now numerous reports suggest that Giroud has a release clause of £13.5m. That’s significantly lower than £50m. No wonder the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are interested. So where would the marauding Frenchman fit in best?
FC Koln recently confirmed that Arsenal had completed a deal for their top scorer Lukas Podolski, who will join the Gunners this summer. Yes they’ve been overly reliant on Robin Van Persie this season, but I can’t really see Arsene Wenger scoring more than one striker. Yes Marouane Chamakh may face the chop this summer, but I can see Park Chu-Young being offered more opportunities, Nicklas Bendtner returning from his loan move and Theo Walcott being converted into a centre-forward when needs must.
It’s Liverpool who most need a striker. Yes Luis Suarez looked at his best against Norwich, but both he and his club have looked woefully unclinical throughout this season. They’ve hit the post 32 times this season – more than any other Premier League side. Reinforcements are needed to help turn dominance into points. Relying on Andy Carroll for another season would be a mistake.
Olivier Giroud has a good track record, wouldn’t be too costly (if the rumours of his release clause are true) and good be the goal-scoring centre-forward the Red’s need. Whilst he wouldn’t be out of place at Arsenal, he seems much better suited for a move to Anfield.
What’s your take? Should Liverpool snap up the big French forward?
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50 million? He’s only scored a lot of goals for the first time this season for god’s sake. Wouldn’t be surprised if he left for less than 10 mill