France international Olivier Giroud has emerged as a transfer target for West Ham United after he expressed his frustration at his lack of playing time under Arsene Wenger.
The former Montpellier man managed to double his goalscoring tally for a fifth successive season at the Emirates, but this does not deny the fact that he was largely used as a ‘Super Sub’.
Giroud came with vital goals and assists for the north London club throughout last season with his FA Cup assist to Aaron Ramsey being one of the highlights of the type of campaign he has had.
The 30-year-old has been in stunning form for his nation during recent international games as he bagged France’s first hat-trick since 2000 (against Paraguay) which was backed by a stunning solo effort in the defeat to Sweden, which even the world’s best would be proud of.
Earlier this month, Giroud admitted that he would like to lift the Premier League title under the tutelage of Wenger, but he could still assess his future, should he fail to receive the guarantee of additional playing time in the starting lineup.
“Wenger is counting on me even though he hasn’t used me much,” he is quoted by The Express. “I will not settle for limited playing time (next season) like I have this season.”
An exclusive from The Mirror now cites that West Ham United are mulling over an approach for the £20m-rated striker, who has bagged 17 goals in his last 17 caps for Les Bleus.
Slaven Bilic’s side lacked the presence of a fully fit striker during the previous campaign, and this saw the club struggle to net goals on a regular basis in the backend of the season.
None of their leading marksman managed to reach double figures for the campaign, and Giroud is being seen a potential candidate to lead the line for the east London club.
Giroud has two-and-a-half years contract left on his deal extended earlier in the year, but the Gunners could face further transfer interest with cash-rich Marseille also plotting a raid for his services.
Arsene Wenger is already on the search for a new marksman to add to his ranks, but the move is rather to replace contract rebel Alexis Sanchez, who could join one of Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the summer.
