Olivier Giroud could leave LAFC following the MLS side’s elimination from the Club World Cup, with the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker destined for a surprise return.
The former Arsenal hitman is France’s record scorer at international level and could make a return to his homeland this summer following a year in the USA.
Giroud will hold talks with LAFC in the coming days to discuss his future. The contract of the 38-year-old expires at the end of December, and while there is an option to extend this deal, this remains in the hands of the franchise.
Lille have now gone public and admitted their interest in the striker, although they have admitted there could be a hitch in any transfer.
Speaking to L’Equipe, president Olivier Letang said: “Olivier Giroud is a very high-level player who, since 2012, has only played for very big European clubs, where he has performed well.
“He is a remarkable man, just like his family. I would love for him to join us because he has everything we are looking for in terms of play, experience, high standards, but also human values. But he belongs to a club, and I don’t see how that could be possible.”
FootMercato reports that there is quiet optimism beyond the president’s words, claiming that Lille are likely to have “more than one trick up their sleeve” and are “quite capable of pulling off this type of transfer”.
Lille are said to be confident on landing Giroud on a one-year deal with the option of another. It is even claimed that “some sources” state that the striker is eager to complete the move.
Olivier Giroud: A spent force?
Giroud has not been particularly successful with LAFC, where he has scored only three MLS goals for the franchise in 20 appearances.
Instead, Lille, who will play in the Europa League next season, would be banking on him returning to the level he showed in his final campaign with AC Milan, in which he grabbed 15 goals and eight assists in 35 Serie A games.
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