Olivier Giroud sends strong warning to Chelsea as Tottenham join race to sign Chelsea target
Olivier Giroud, a former Chelsea striker, will make his first trip back to London after leaving the club in the summer of 2021.
Giroud lived in London for nine years in total, six of them at Arsenal and three at Chelsea.
Giroud still cherishes his time at Chelsea because it was there that he won the Champions League in 2021.
Speaking about his return to England’s capital, Giroud told MilanTV: “I think it’ll be a special game for the team because it’s a great Champions League match-up.
“It’s also personally for me, as I spent nine years in London playing for Arsenal and Chelsea, so I expect it to be a great game.
“It’s always a pleasure when the people you met while playing for your former clubs have so much respect for you, also because I want to be seen not only as a good player on the pitch, but also a good person off it.
“I have many friends in London. I have a lot of hope for our Champions League journey this season.
“I am very proud of this squad and I think we can do well with this group of players in the Champions League.
“This match can also give the team great confidence if we win, to boost us for the next games.
“Chelsea have just one point so far, so they will play aggressively and in an energetic way, aiming for the win, so we expect a tough game.”
The 36-year-old striker has had a fine start to the season, scoring five goals and registering an assist across his first 10 matches in all competitions.
Tottenham join race to sign Chelsea target
Tottenham Hotspur have joined Chelsea in the race to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, as per Fabio Cordella (via CaughtOffside).
Leao’s contract at the San Siro expires in 2024 and it is expected that the Portuguese will not be signing a new deal with Milan.
The Rossoneri may therefore consider bids at the end of the season for the young attacker, who has impressed since joining the club from LOSC Lille in 2019 for £26.25 million.
He has made 124 appearances, scoring 31 goals and contributing 28 assists.
A battle between the two London rivals is set to ensue as Tottenham will now look to rival Chelsea for his signature.
The Blues are said to be at the front of the queue and there were rumors of a potential move for the Portuguese to Stamford Bridge this past summer.
The player’s agent Jorge Mendes reportedly looked to move Leao to Chelsea so that Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo could arrive at the San Siro.