- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is heading to LAFC after the former Arsenal and Chelsea frontman rejected the chance to re-trace his steps in the Premier League.
HITC Football understands that the World Cup-winning France international has spoken to a couple of clubs in England’s top flight with his three-year spell at the San Siro set to come to an end this summer.
But while Olivier Giroud is understood to have been ‘intrigued’ by the prospect of one last stab at the Premier League, he has instead opted to join his good friend and former Les Bleus team-mate Hugo Lloris on the other side of the Atlantic.
Olivier Giroud turns down Premier League return
Giroud will join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, following in the footsteps of the ex-Tottenham Hotspur captain.
We understand that, while holding talks with a number of clubs based in England, the evergreen 36-year-old also had interest from Saudi Arabia and in his French homeland but has instead agreed an 18-month deal in California.
LAFC, who joined the MLS as recently as 2018, signed Lloris in December. Giroud won the Russian World Cup alongside Lloris, and the duo will now be reunited in America.
Former Leeds United prospect Mateusz Bogusz and ex-St Etienne talisman Denis Bouanga are also contracted to a side who finished third in the Western Conference under the former USA defender Steve Cherundolo last season.
14 goals for AC Milan this season
Giroud, still a terrific number nine even at his advanced age, is arguably one of the most underrated footballers of his generation. He was part of that Montpellier side which surprisingly claimed the Ligue 1 title in 2012 before accumulating nine trophies during spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Giroud, who crossed the London divide to the tune of £18 million six years ago, lifted the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in 2021, and won a trio of FA Cups with Arsenal.
He has been semi-prolific in Italy too, notching 46 goals in nearly three seasons.
Interestingly, HITC understands that both Arsenal and Chelsea are in the market for a centre-forward themselves this summer. Arsenal like Ivan Toney, Dusan Vlahovic and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and are stepping up their interest in Sporting Lisbon hitman Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are prioritising Victor Osimhen but are also keen on Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez.