WHZ View: West Ham handed Olivier Giroud transfer deadline

West Ham will have to commence negotiations with Olivier Giroud quickly as AC Milan are keen on signing the Frenchman before the Euros begin.

The Italian side, much like West Ham, desperately need to sign a striker this summer, and per Telefoot reporter Saber Desfarges, are working against the clock to ensure they wrap the deal before a ball is kicked at this month’s European Championships.

This will have put West Ham on high alert as they will now be looking to work with a deadline to sign the Frenchman who will be a free agent at the end of the month.

Eurosport had reported that the London outfit would make him an offer once his contract expires, but now will have to act quickly or risk missing out on him altogether.

West Ham

Would be a decent Plan B

It’s no secret that we desperately need at least one striker this summer, given Michail Antonio’s injury record and the lack of depth in that position.

Giroud would be a decent addition, especially on a free transfer, and would serve as a good Plan B for the striker we eventually end up going for.

There’s no denying the Frenchman’s ability and his experience of being a leading attacker both for club and country, but there are certain limitations to his game, given his age.

We can’t rely on him to play week in and week out as we would with someone like Tammy Abraham or Patson Daka.

What Giroud would offer us is an option off the bench when we’re chasing games. He’s good in the air and we have scored the most goals from set pieces this season. These factors make his move to West Ham a logical one.

David Moyes has, over the years, prioritised on getting the full-backs higher up the pitch and playing crosses in to the target man. Having Giroud at the end of those deliveries would instantly make this Hammers attack a more menacing one.

The Sun have reported he’s earning £135,000-a-week currently at Chelsea and we’re not sure what kind of wages he would demand at the London Stadium.

That being said, if the hierarchy are keen on signing him, talks must commence as soon as possible.

In other West Ham news, Hammers-linked defender could quit club as new manager is hired, he’s keen on PL move – report

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