The Chelsea striker whom Eden Hazard described as the best target man in the world is being linked with a surprise switch over to Turkey.
The forward in question is Olivier Giroud who only made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea in January, but now The Sun reports that Besiktas are preparing to offer the 2018 World Cup winner a lucrative contract, and could even pen a pre-deal in January.
However, the Blues should be doing everything they can to keep Giroud at the club, with his current contract expiring next summer.
Giroud may have yet to open his Chelsea account this term - he did however score what turned out to be the winner for France against Holland earlier this month - but his overall contribution means he’s a valuable asset to have.
He's not the most skilful, prolific or pacy of strikers, but the way he holds the ball up and creates space for his teammates is second to none, while his aerial ability means he’s also a useful tool to have in both penalty boxes.
In Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Cardiff boss Maurizio Sarri handed Giroud his first start of the season, and it paid dividends too, as the Frenchman would inspire the capital club to their biggest win of the campaign to date, setting up two of Hazard’s three goals.
In the aftermath Chelsea star Hazard showered his teammate in praise:
"He is a target man. Maybe the best in the world? I think so. When he gets the ball, he can hold the ball and we can go with him in deep. It is a pleasure to play with him.
Any player that helps elevate Hazard to the top of his game is definitely worth keeping. The above comments imply that the Belgian is eager to continue playing alongside Giroud, as opposed to Alvaro Morata who has yet to assist or create any chances for Hazard this season, while he’s only passed to him six times.
Giroud will be hoping he gets the nod over Morata on Sunday away to West Ham when table-toppers Chelsea target their sixth successive league win over the season.
