Arsenal could lose one of their key centre-forwards during the summer transfer window, Sky Sports News claims. France international Olivier Giroud is reportedly attracting interest from West Ham United, who are looking to bolster their frontline with a marquee signing.
Giroud, 30, was largely used as a late substitute during the previous season with manager Arsene Wenger opting to play Alexis Sanchez ahead of him for the striking role.
Despite this, he managed to rack up a decent tally of 16 goals across all competitions, while also contributing on a regular basis for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Giroud inked a fresh two-and-a-half year deal with Arsenal earlier in January, but his future still remains uncertain amid the Gunners’ hunt for a new marksman.
French pairing Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette are among the top targets in the Gunners’ shortlist, and a deal for either could restrict Giroud’s playing time even further.
Giroud recently cited that he won’t settle for limited playing under Wenger next term, and according to Sky Sports News, he could be offered as an escape route to West Ham.
The east London club struggled to find the perfect striker to lead the line with the likes of Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew suffering injuries at different stages last season.
As a result, the Hammers have Giroud on their shortlist as they look to him offer a prolonged Premier League stint with the guarantee of regular playing time.
Giroud has bagged 98 goals across all competitions for Arsenal to date while lifting three FA Cups in the process. He still has the ambition of lifting the league title at the Emirates, but his future could be dependent on the club’s transfer activity this summer.
