According to Fanatik, Besiktas have identified Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of this season, as a transfer target for next summer.

What’s the story?

Besiktas appear to be interested in securing the services of Giroud in time for next season, and will be hopeful of landing their man on a free transfer. Unless the Frenchman renews his deal with the Blues, he will be a free agent next summer.

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Giroud only joined Chelsea in January, but has already made a strong impression for the London club. In place of the struggling Alvaro Morata, Giroud has even forced his way into the starting XI under new boss Maurizio Sarri.

Despite the good work he has done for the Blues though, Giroud’s time with Chelsea could be over very soon unless the club see sense and do all they can to secure him to a new deal.

Still has many years left

The World Cup winner may not be the most prolific striker in the Premier League, but he can still fulfil a vital function within a team. The ex-Arsenal man’s exemplary link up play, for instance, helps to get the best out of the likes of Pedro and Eden Hazard.

Despite the fact that Giroud is ageing, his style of play means that he is unlikely to be overly effected by the loss of any pace. There is no reason why he couldn’t continue performing to his current level for a number of years yet.

All in all, considering Chelsea’s dearth of quality depth in the striker position, they can’t afford to lose a squad player of Giroud’s class.