Olivier Giroud is expected to leave AC Milan at the conclusion of the season, prompting management to look into prospective replacements, according to reports.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) this morning, Giroud is considering taking his wife Jade and children Aria, Aaron, and Evan to the United States for business rather than vacation.
The striker’s contract with Milan expires at the end of the season, and he has been slowly making his decision in recent weeks. The ultimate decision will be made later, most likely in May, but his top priority is to try the MLS.
Giroud’s prospects of transferring this summer are increasing, and negotiations between the 37-year-old and the United States have escalated.
The possible paths
The possibility of two alternative paths—either another season at Milan or another European venture—remains feasible but clearly takes a backseat to the primary option. Negotiations are ongoing, and by mid-March, the list of potential destinations can already be significantly narrowed down.
Primarily, attention is drawn to two cities: New York and Los Angeles. These are where Giroud envisions his future, a sentiment he openly expressed in January: “By the end of the season, more opportunities will arise, and I’ll make my decision. Both as a footballer and as a family man.”
The crucial aspect here is Giroud’s role as a family man. Football has given him much, and he has reciprocated in kind. Despite being 37 years old, his performance statistics remain at an elite level: he has already scored 12 goals in the Serie A season, along with one each in the Champions League and the Europa League.
If he were to celebrate yet another goal in Verona this afternoon, he would match his best season at Milan and enhance his chances of reaching 20 goals for the campaign, a milestone he hasn’t accomplished since 2016.
However, the decision won’t hinge on on-field motivation or any decline in performance, but rather on family priorities. The United States presents a new avenue for Giroud’s future, especially considering his aspirations of transitioning into a managerial role.
The replacement(s)
In this scenario, Milan finds themselves in a passive role. While they can offer Giroud a contract extension, they understand that this time, his decision won’t be based solely on technical or financial considerations. Consequently, the management must explore other options.
They have the option to unilaterally extend Luka Jovic’s contract and are already aware that acquiring a new No. 9 will be a major investment for the upcoming summer. Milan is in search of a young center-forward with exceptional qualities and potential.
At the top of their list are two names: Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko. Zirkzee is known for his technical prowess, creativity, and unique style, diverging from the traditional striker mold. On the other hand, Sesko brings physicality, excels in exploiting spaces behind the defense, and is lethal inside the penalty box.
However, both players come with hefty price tags and intricate situations. In Sesko’s case, Milan must engage in discussions with Leipzig, who are unlikely to part with him for a bargain. As for Zirkzee, there’s a complex arrangement involving Bologna and Bayern Munich, with the latter having the option to re-sign him for €40 million.
Alternative candidates include Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord, Jonathan David from Lille, and Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon. Each has garnered attention for various reasons, but David’s remarkable resurgence, evidenced by his 21 goals this season, implies that he won’t come cheap either.
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