According to The Boy Hotspur (h/t Football.london), Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is keen on signing Olivier Giroud in January. The forward has been left frustrated by limited opportunities this season and has been mooted to make a move to increase his chances of playing in the Euro’s next season. Meanwhile, Mourinho is keen on adding to his attacking options.
The 34-year-old French forward started his youth career at Grenoble in 1999 and progressed through the youth teams in the next few seasons. Eventually, he was promoted to the senior side in 2006 and went on to make 25 appearances for them.
The following season he was loaned out to FC Istres and made 34 appearances before returning to Grenoble. On his return, he was signed by Tours FC and enjoyed a prolific spell where he scored 36 goals in 67 games.
After two seasons, he moved to Montpellier. A similar spell followed, where he scored 39 goals in 85 games. He was then signed by Arsenal. He was one of the most prolific strikers for the club despite making many appearances from the bench. In 253 appearances, he scored 105 goals and assisted 41 (source – Transfermarkt).
With Aubameyang coming in, Giroud moved across town to Chelsea. He has made 96 appearances for them and has contributed to 44 goals. Giroud is a veteran for the French national team with over 100 games and 44 goals to his name. He also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
When Spurs signed Carlos Vinicius, many thought the club’s issues with a backup striker had been solved. However, he is yet to deliver in the few chances he has been given, although he broke his duck for Spurs against Ludogorets. With Kane still firing on all cylinders, Spurs haven’t had the need to rely on others. In the game that he was afforded some rest, the team lost against Antwerp.
It is clear that the club needs someone more competent than Vinicius to back up Kane or play in his stead. Luckily for Mourinho, the solution is just across London in the form of Olivier Giroud.
Mourinho can turn to his former club for Giroud and a deal could easily be struck as Chelsea are open to the idea of letting him go.
In Giroud, Mourinho will get one of the most experienced Premier League forwards. He can offer Mourinho a different approach to games given his style of play as a traditional big centre-forward. One thing is for sure – Giroud will guarantee goals, be it from the bench or start. This is one deal that has the potential to turn Spurs into genuine title contenders and they should not pass on this chance.