Reports: Chelsea reluctant to let Batshuayi leave, Villa could make Giroud instead

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Aston Villa may turn their attention towards Olivier Giroud, with Chelsea set to dig their heels in over Michy Batshuayi.

According to Goal, the Blues are reluctant to let the Belgian international leave in January.

Villa are supposedly interested in a loan move for the 26-year-old, with striker Wesley out for the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

But it would appear a move for Batshuayi might be somewhat tricky.

The Sun report that Villa could actually move for Batshuayi’s Chelsea teammate Olivier Giroud as an alternative option.

The Frenchman has made just three starts for the Blues this season, and appears set for an exit in January.

TBR’s view – Giroud would be a solid Villa signing

Missing out on Batshuayi wouldn’t be too big a deal if Villa were able to land Giroud as an alternative.

The club need someone who knows who to score regularly in the Premier League and Giroud knows a thing or two about that.

Across stints with Arsenal and Chelsea he’s scored 78 goals in 225 top-flight appearances, and provided 32 assists, which is a fine record considering he has never really been a regular starter in English football.

There’s a good chance the World Cup winner would be a brilliant signing for Villa, who are looking to navigate away from the relegation zone.