As Chelsea star extends, where were West Ham?

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Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud extended his contract at Stamford Bridge – but where were West Ham United?

The Frenchman was set to become a free agent but will now be staying with the Blues for another year, as reported by football.london.

The 32-year-old has been very much a bit-part player in 2018/19 under Maurizio Sarri, making most his appearances in the Europa League where he has hit 10 goals.

In the Premier League he made 27 appearances but only seven starts, leading to speculation that he would be moving on when his contract expired.

The star even issued a quite threat last month (as reported by The Guardian), but he will now be staying put perhaps due to Chelsea being hit with a transfer ban.

Giroud remaining with the Blues is good news for the club, but a real missed opportunity for the Hammers.

TBR’s view

Manuel Pellegrini could lose a number of strikers this summer.

Marko Arnautovic was heavily linked with a move to China in January and there is feeling a move could still happen.

Lucas Perez has struggled since his move from Arsenal and Javier Hernandez’s future has also been unclear.

Giroud on a free would have been great business and the Irons would surely have been able to offer regular game time.

The former Arsenal ace’s Premier League record of 78 goals and 32 assists in 220 matches speaks for itself – with the transfer window now open, perhaps the Hammers have missed a trick.