July 13, (THEWILL) – A deal is in the works to finalise the transfer of Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud to Serie A side AC Milan. The Frenchman is in the process of signing a two-year deal with an end-of-the-week schedule for a medical, the last step in the checklist to wrap up the deal.
The former Arsenal striker has been an important member of the Blues’ squad since arriving at Stamford Bridge from the Emirates in January 2018. Overall, he made 119 appearances, buried the ball in the back of the net 39 times and whilst also providing 14 assists in the process, in all competitions.
However, Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League winning manager Thomas Tuchel has not used the player as often as his skills deserve, with less and less involvement in matches. That was why Giroud’s acceptance of a fresh two-year extension of his contract as THEWILL reported on June 4 evoked consternation.
The talks with Milan that appeared to have been shelved by that extension have picked up pace and by the end of his medicals on Friday, if everything checks out as intended, the French striker will be heading to the Milan club for the upcoming season.
The extension he was granted at Chelsea now appears to be good business with the expected completion of this move as it will ensure Chelsea receive a fee for the striker and not lose out on the value they have placed on Giroud. Milan have had their eyes on the striker and will be glad to pay his asking price.
In the time he played with the Blues, he won an FA Cup, the Europa League title and earned a Champions League winners’ medal to add a deserved gloss to his career and accomplishments in the English Premier League. The vital goals he provided to move the team along the path to these victories will be remembered at Stamford Bridge.
There is the possibility that the renewed Chelsea targeting of Borussia Dortmund’s sensational forward Erling Haaland convinced Giroud that it was time to move on. Tuchel’s string of attacking talent will mean that if Haaland arrives, there will be no need to hang around and spend the season bench-warming while opportunities exist elsewhere.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
