Aston Villa are considering making a move to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, as reported by The Athletic.
With Wesley suffering a season-ending injury, Dean Smith’s side is in need of some added firepower as they bid to stay in the Premier League. That is because Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis currently operate as their only striking options when fit.
The 33-year-old is not the only player that Villa have been linked with though, with Michy Batshuayi and Cenk Tosun also having entered the frame for a move to Villa Park.
With this in mind, FFC writers have given their verdict about whether Villa should make a move for the Frenchman.
Viji Jeevathayalan
“With his years of experience at the highest level of the Premier League with both Arsenal and Chelsea, a swoop for Olivier Giroud is a real no-brainer for Aston Villa.
“The France international has proven himself to be a high-calibre goal-scorer in English football’s top-flight, notching 78 times in 225 games in the competition. And whilst at 33, he won’t be the future of Villa’s strikeforce, he can provide a timely stop-gap for this season amidst Wesley’s unfortunate injury.
“Dean Smith’s side are battling to avoid relegation, and need someone who knows the league well, and is relatively low-risk. Giroud fits the bill perfectly, and whilst he may not smash in 20 goals, he could be the difference-maker for them.”
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Jonathan Radcliffe
“Villa are in need of a striker after Wesley’s injury. With just Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis now available, they clearly lack firepower, and that could be the difference between them staying in the Premier League and going down to the Championship.
“Olivier Giroud, of course, is a player with years of experience at the highest level. He has won trophies with Arsenal, Chelsea and Montpellier, as well as the World Cup with France and at 6 foot 3, he has a similar frame to Wesley. However, he has spent the vast majority of this term on the bench or out of the squad altogether, and there would be clear questions and worries about his ability to hit the ground running.
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“At 33 years of age, he would only be a short-term signing, whereas the likes of Cenk Tosun and Michy Batshuayi, both of whom are younger than Giroud, have years ahead of them. Whilst Giroud has seen it all, they would be more astute signings. Villa should probably steer clear of the former Gunner this month.”
Billy Meyers
“Olivier Giroud is a certified winner who oozes class. Whether or not he can be the man to help Villa amid a relegation scrap remains to be seen, but his dominant physique, excellent ball control and ability to finish means Dean Smith can’t really go wrong with this move.
“Giroud’s hold-up play could also see Jack Grealish become more involved through knock-downs from the Frenchman. While his record of 39 goals in 97 appearances for France and his status as a World Cup winner means that he would be somewhat of a marquee signing for the Villans, as well as one who knows the English game well having starred for Arsenal and Chelsea over the years.”
Danny Lewis
“Giroud is certainly not the sort of player that Villa should be turning their noses up at, considering his Premier League pedigree, as well as having won the World Cup, FA Cups and the Europa League.
“He would certainly be a good addition to the Villa squad, especially in the absence of Wesley, but they may be even better off going for his Chelsea teammate Batshuayi if that deal can be completed.
“Despite playing just 549 minutes across all competitions, the Belgium international has amassed seven goals and three assists this season.
“That prolific nature is definitely what Villa could use in their bid to stay up. Though if a move for the 26-year-old does not materialise, Giroud would still be a very good alternative.”
In other news, Villa fans reacted to their youngster’s big moment against Fulham.
