Newcastle United
Rob Lee comments on whether Olivier Giroud would join Newcastle in January
Rob Lee has told Stadium Astro that he believes Olivier Giroud will remain at Chelsea in the January window, and explained why the French target man would avoid a move to Newcastle United – amid previous links.
Giroud, 34, is lacking in game time at Chelsea and has commented on a potential exit from Chelsea in January, in order to claim a place at Euro 2021. He has played just 36 Premier League minutes this season.
The Chronicle claim Giroud has been target for Newcastle, but have quoted the player’s agent in ruling out a move – with the representative suggesting France is more likely: “Going back to Ligue 1 is not a priority for him.”
Lee explained that Giroud – who earns £135,000 a week at Chelsea, as per the Mail – would hardly join Newcastle as he would not be guaranteed chances or goals on Tyneside, any more than he is at Chelsea.
(Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
“Say he want to Newcastle, there were rumours,” Lee said. “If he goes there and struggles, then he might not get picked for France anyway. That could happen. He is at a club that if he comes on, he will get chances to score.
TBR’s view – Do Newcastle need another striker?
Callum Wilson has begun life at Newcastle in sensational form, since his move from Bournemouth. He has replaced the disappointing Joelinton, who remains an option on Tyneside as back-up to Giroud.
Andy Carroll is also another option, offering something different to Wilson and Joelinton – but perhaps more similar to Giroud. Dwight Gayle showed towards the end of last season that he is capable of scoring in the Premier League.
Newcastle have options, and good ones at that. Do they need Giroud? He would be an improvement, but he would still be second fiddle to Wilson.
(Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
