West Ham United striker target Olivier Giroud has made it clear he wants to leave Chelsea this summer and revealed he has offers from other clubs.
Manuel Pellegrini has a big task on his hands to overhaul the striker department at West Ham.
All four of the Chilean’s current senior strikers look likely to leave the club.
The Hammers have been linked with a host of strikers including Maxi Gomez, Daniel Sturridge, Edin Dzeko and Moussa Marega.
Another player strongly linked has been Chelsea forward Giroud.
Hammers remain keen on Giroud
The Hammers wanted to sign Giroud last summer and again in January (Daily Mail).
But Pellegrini ended up keeping the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez as moves to China, Real Betis and Valencia respectively failed to materialise.
Now West Ham’s hopes of landing the World Cup winner have been given a big boost if new comments from the Frenchman are anything to go by.
As things stand Giroud is available on a free transfer this summer.
The 33-year-old established himself as the top scorer in the Europa League with 10 goals after scoring for Chelsea on Thursday night.
And now he insists he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge.
Striker wants out and admits other offers
“I am frustrated when not on the pitch, but I just don’t want to show it,” Giroud told the press this week, as reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
“I’m not happy to be the second striker. I don’t know (if I will be here next season) … I want to enjoy my football.
“It must be decided by the end of the season. Yes (I have received offers from other clubs) but I cannot tell you yet.”
One of those clubs could well be West Ham.
With Andy Carroll on his way out, it leaves a big – albeit rarely fit – hole in West Ham’s armoury.
Pellegrini’s perfect replacement for Carroll?
And 32-year-old Giroud has long been seen as the perfect man to fill it.
If that remains important to the 6ft4in star then West Ham could emerge as serious candidates for his signature.
Crucially when Giroud left Arsenal a big factor in opting for Chelsea was to stay in London.
He would be the ideal replacement for Carroll and has an infinitely better fitness record.
Even at 32 West Ham could get at least two good seasons out of the striker.
His all round game would help bring the plethora of playmakers at Pellegrini’s disposal into play.