The Daily Mail reports West Ham United are keen to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud or Michy Batshuayi on loan for the rest of the his season.
They face stiff competition for the 25-year-old Belgium international with Everton keen to take the forward on a permanent deal. Batshuayi flopped during his loan spell at Valencia with the Spaniards keen to end the deal early and sign Hammers striker Chicarito, 30, instead.
Since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri last summer, World Cup winner Giroud found his first-team opportunities limited as the Italian first favoured Alvaro Morata, 26, and then 28-year-old Eden Hazard.
Neither has been a success with the Blues turning to Gonzalo Higuain, 30, as a solution to their woes in front of goal.
It’s left 32-year-old Giroud frustrated through a lack of action. However, his plans to leave may be thwarted as Sarri remains keen for him to stay at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman is a popular member of the squad and the Chelsea coach is concerned his departure may damage their fragile morale.
These are testing times for the Blues with a growing sense they are ripe for the picking among all levels of football. Matters may come to a head in the summer with Real Madrid keen to sign Hazard. Rumours are circulating that Sarri has given such a move his blessing, knowing he will be given the money to spend on transfers.
Which presumes the Italian will still be in the job…
