Former Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has urged Jose Mourinho to launch a move for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
The 33-year-old wants to leave Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Inter Milan all keen on the World Cup winner’s services, according to the Telegraph.
Former Arsenal man Giroud has struggled to make an impact under Frank Lampard, featuring in just 209 minutes of action in both the Premier League and Champions League, via Whoscored.com.
And now, with Harry Kane out with a ‘serious’ hamstring injury, Chimbonda believes a striker like Giroud would ‘fit the bill’ in North London.
Talking to Gambling.com, cited by the Daily Express, the former right-back said:
I do think they need a striker you know.
Harry Kane is out for five or six weeks – who is going to score the goals?
Lucas Moura is not a natural striker, Spurs need someone more like Kane, a focal point in the penalty area.
Dare I say it, but I think someone like Olivier Giroud fits the bill.
Chimbonda continued:
Its obvious Frank Lampard doesn’t fancy him at Chelsea, I’m sure Giroud wants out, so why not him?
Yes, he’s a former Arsenal player, but he’s also a World Cup winner and presumably, he’s available.
I’d take him on loan, but if the opportunity was there to buy him, then I’d buy him. There’s no one else readily available on the market who has his quality.
Read Chelsea verdict
Things haven’t worked out at Stamford Bridge between Lampard and Giroud, with the Blues’ all-time scorer placing his trust in Tammy Abraham.
His instinct to go with Abraham from the start of the season has paid off, with the England international scoring 12 times in the Premier League in 1,582 minutes of action, a goal every 132 minutes, via Whoscored.com.
Giroud looks likely to receive his Stamford Bridge exit wish, but a move to Tottenham shouldn’t be considered by Chelsea.
Even though he is in the latter stages of his career, he’d provide Mourinho with a solid option from the bench, therefore strengthening their attacking ranks.
A move to Aston Villa or Newcastle wouldn’t harm the Blues as much, but a deal across London to Spurs would be a shock and could end up backfiring spectacularly.
