Will Olivier Giroud end up at Internazionale or Crystal Palace?

Internazionale have looked like a resurrected side so far this campaign in the Serie A. They finally look like a team that might be able to deliver a strong title challenge to Juventus who have won the Scudetto eights years in a row. The Nerazzurri, however, dealt a major blow during the international break as their star forward, Alexis Sanchez suffered a serious ankle injury. The Chilean was just picking up his form, following his dismal run of form for his parent club Manchester United.

With Sanchez now out for a foreseeable period, Inter boss, Antonio Conte is reportedly looking into the transfer market for a player who can add firepower to his attack. He has identified Chelsea's striker, Olivier Giroud as the ideal candidate. The World Cup winner for France has fallen behind red-hot Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi at Stamford Bridge this season and is believed to be looking for a new club. 

Conte is a big admirer of the towering striker. In fact, he himself signed the Frenchman at Chelsea from Arsenal when he was the Blues' boss and is again interested in the target man. With Sanchez injured, Conte still has two quality options upfront in new signing Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, but he is believed to be looking for further depth in attack. 

Giroud is seemingly frustrated with the lack of an action at Stamford Bridge and could not hide his feelings when quizzed about it during the international break. The French international said: "I am going to fight for my place at Chelsea and we will take stock of the situation in January,"

"If you ask me whether I want to leave I will say ‘not necessarily’ – but other things enter the equation.” 

“I cannot be happy with what I have at the moment. I am 33 but I still have several good years left in me.” 

"I still have the legs and a profile that I think will enable me to keep playing at the top level. I feel in good shape physically and I lead a healthy lifestyle. I want to enjoy myself and play matches,"

“That could be for Chelsea – who are my first choice – or elsewhere. But if they force me to make a decision I will do it – just like when I left Arsenal.”

Giroud has started just one game for Chelsea this season, but despite his lack of playing time at Chelsea, he is still a regular for France under the management of Didier Deschamps. Deschamps, in fact, had a pop at Chelsea boss Frank Lampard regarding Giroud's lack of game-time. He said: "Lampard asked me not to pick Kante at the last rally if it is still that way.” 

"Maybe I will call him later to tell him it would be nice if you play Olivier Giroud a little bit." 

Giroud moving to Inter certainly makes a lot of sense. He will be playing for a manager who knows him and trusts him. Also, the style of Serie A will suit the target man and in a slower league, Giroud might sustain for a longer period considering he is already 33 years of age. 

It is, however, believed that London based club Crystal Palace are also preparing a huge offer to sign the attacker in January. If he does not wish to leave England, he could just make the switch to Selhurst Park instead. An interesting transfer saga is developing here. 

Cover image credits: Planet Football