France forward Giroud could be a part of the deal that helps Chelsea sign Crystal Palace’s Zaha, with manager Frank Lampard eager to complete the signing. Giroud who plays as an active substitute to 22-year-old Tammy Abraham when the English striker misses out is all set to leave Stamford Bridge this winter, according to rumours. Crystal Palace who are reeling at the 10th rank of the Premier League table are supposedly interested in Giroud’s services to further strengthen their attack, The Guardian reported. Oliver, who hopes to have some reinforcement before playing the Euro 2020 for France, is eyed by Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid among other clubs.
After a positive appeal and the ban lift, Chelsea manager has been allotted with a budget of £150m to pursue the winter transfer. Frank Lampard has shown consistent interest in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and would want to seize this opportunity immediately. Palace have reportedly put forward an £80m transfer for their most influential player and wouldn’t budge at any costs.
Zaha who has scored two times in 16 appearances for the Eagles has a happy record with the club after his 2014-15 transfer from Manchester United. The 27-year-old’s transfer to Arsenal during the summer window failed somehow and ever since he has looked forward to a transfer in January.
This could be a good swap deal for both the English clubs and with the respective managers’ interest, it is very likely that the players relocate their bases soon. However, despite all rumours, Lampard showed flexibility and patience during the nascent stages.
“There will be discussions about where we can strengthen,” said Lampard in a recently held interview, with the former England international.
“The transfer window will be a bit fluid. It is quite clear in the summer we lost Eden Hazard who has been a huge part of scoring and creating for us in the last few seasons. We need more competition in those creative areas,” he further added.
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Now that the talks have actually started, Frank Lampard has spoken more specific on how Eden Hazard’s transfer to Real Madrid left them with a big lacuna which the management is trying to fill now. “I think it will be a bit fluid and discussions will be ongoing from now about where we can strengthen. Of course, with Eden [Hazard] leaving we lost a lot of goals and creation in that particular position. Today we have missed some chances and we can look at strengthening and pushing and getting more competition in those areas,” was the Chelsea manager’s statement.
Wilfried Zaha is under contract until 2023 with Crystal Palace but with a clear plan of a confident raid by Chelsea, the Ivory Coast player is most likely to join the Blues. On the other hand, Giroud, who feels that he is very underplayed at Chelsea has strongly urged for a transfer to a club where he can contribute regularly.
There has been no official statement from the players, with the attacking due to continuing to play for their current clubs until this deal processes. With that being said, a move could favour both the London-based clubs and the west London outfit are keen on making it happen.
Frank Lampard’s side has slowly dropped their form and are developing the bad habit of losing close matches. If the issue is not quickly resolved, they might end up in a lot of trouble, as they slowly slide down the points table. It will be interesting to see whether things work out for them or not.
