Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has been urged to snub a move away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window – because of the role Timo Werner is playing for Frank Lampard’s side. Giroud has struggled for game time in the Premier League this season, but scored four when he started against Sevilla in the Champions League in midweek.
There has been much speculation about Giroud’s future ahead of the transfer window re-opening next month, with the striker keen to ensure he makes the France squad for next summer’s Euro 2020 finals.
The striker was heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan last January before signing a new one-year deal in the summer, and it is believed that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is still keen on a reunion with the 34-year-old, with West Ham also said to be interested.
The arrival of Werner at Stamford Bridge has increased the competition for places in attack for Lampard’s side – further fuelling speculation that Giroud could leave.
But Paul Merson says Giroud’s stunning show in Sevilla is proof he still has a big part to play at Chelsea.
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“Four goals, against a decent team. And he was outstanding. Unplayable – which is unusual when you’re not blessed with pace.”
Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last weekend, with Tammy Abraham criticised after the game after he failed to make the most of crosses pinged into the box by Reece James and Hakim Ziyech.
Merson says Giroud might have done better with the chances, with Chelsea chasing a win that would have sent them to the summit.
And he says the fact that Werner is playing wide left rather than as a centre forward gives Giroud all the more reason to fight for a place at the fulcrum of Chelsea’s attack.
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“If he had played in that second half against Tottenham, Chelsea might have won because Reece James was putting some great balls into the box,” said Lampard.
“Giroud might be considering his future but he’s going to get games for Chelsea this season.
“He’s not in a queue. It’s between him and Tammy Abraham really because Timo Werner is playing wide left most of the time now.
“And France know how important he is. He makes France better. And his goalscoring record for them is phenomenal. He should stay at Stamford Bridge.”