Man Utd plan shock move for former Arsenal and Chelsea star Giroud

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 4 Jan 2023 07:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud as their hunt for a new striker continues.

Giroud, 36, became France's all-time record goal-scorer during a prolific stint at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and has netted nine goals and five assists in 19 appearances for Milan this campaign.

He also helped fire the San Siro side to the Scudetto last season with 11 goals in Serie A. However, his contract at the club is set to expire this summer, meaning he's available on a free transfer in July. Milan may even be tempted into a sale in January if Man Utd submit an enticing offer.

READ: Marcus Rashford: Why Man Utd shouldn't go shopping for a No.9

The Red Devils have made it clear that a new number nine is high on their priority list during the January transfer window following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual consent and has now joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

They were previously interested in signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, with Erik ten Hag keen to land the Dutch international to bolster Man Utd's Eredivisie contingent. However, despite much transfer speculation linking Gakpo to Old Trafford, arch-rivals Liverpool swept in and sealed a deal for the forward in late December.

That has forced Man Utd back into the market in an attempt to find an alternative. Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram have both been linked with a transfer to the red side of Manchester, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are able to fund a move for either French forward.

READ: Man Utd and Liverpool transfer target Kolo Muani 'not for sale'

Ten Hag even admitted that the club aren't in a position where they can "burn money" recently, suggesting that a loan deal, as has been rumoured for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, or a cheap move may be the only options for the club.

Giroud to Man Utd?

Giroud, who scored 144 goals during his time at Arsenal and Chelsea, is said to be expecting a contract extension offer from Milan, but that hasn't dissuaded Man Utd from pursuing the veteran.

Foot Mercato have reported that Man Utd have 'tested the waters' over a potential move for Giroud, while reports from the United States of America indicate that the player has turned down a contract offer from Milan, leaving several MLS clubs on high alert.

Anthony Martial has started all three of Man Utd's Premier League games since the resumption of the season following the World Cup break, but has suffered three separate injuries this campaign, which is proof why Ten Hag wants to add another forward to his squad this month.