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Crystal Palace signing this out of favour £18m Chelsea star would instantly solve their goalscoring woes

Why Crystal Palace should make a move for Olivier Giroud in January

According to a report from the Telegraph, Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for Olivier Giroud and Pedro in January.

Olivier Giroud, 33, and Pedro, 32, have both struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge this term, and there is a feeling that their time at the London club could be coming to an end.

Both the veteran forwards’ contracts expire next summer and will be allowed to begin negotiations with foreign clubs in January, the report claims.

Olivier Giroud in action for Arsenal. (Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud in action for Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Particularly in the case of Giroud, Chelsea may be open to bids in the upcoming transfer window so that they can recoup some part of the £18m they spent on him rather than letting him leave on a free transfer.

The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order following the emergence of Tammy Abraham under Frank Lampard this term. He has started just one competitive match this season and needs regular football to give himself a chance of playing for France at Euro 2020.

The report adds that there is plenty of interest from French clubs in Giroud, while Crystal Palace and West Ham have also been linked with him of late. Keeping that in mind, Crystal Palace must make a move for the French centre-forward in January.

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring against Southampton. (Getty Images)
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring against Southampton. (Getty Images)

Just like the last couple of seasons, Crystal Palace are finding it difficult to score goals consistently. They may have started the new campaign well but it would be foolish from Roy Hodgson to ignore his team’s problems in front of goal.

So far, the Eagles have netted 10 goals in 11 games, which is way below the requirement to fight for a top-six finish. Therefore, it is a no-brainer for Roy Hodgson to add a new striker in the upcoming transfer window and Giroud would be a good fit at Selhurst Park.

Giroud has scored 19 goals in 67 appearances since joining Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018. The vast majority of those outings have been substitute appearances, however. The France international is one of the very best when playing with his back facing the goal.

Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea after Tammy Abraham’s rise (Courtesy: Getty Images)

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He has been a reliable goal-scorer in the top-flight for a number of years now and despite being 33, he could still represent a valuable signing for Crystal Palace. In the video below, one could see Giroud’s qualities and what he’ll bring to the table if a move to Selhurst Park goes through.

Verdict

With Euro 2020 coming up next summer, Giroud could be desperate to be in the France team heading for the tournament. Joining Crystal Palace would give him greater opportunities to start and perhaps revive his club career.