The Possible Destinations for Olivier Giroud - Ranked

Will he? Won't he?

Well, this January, it seems he will. It looks as though time is finally up for Olivier Giroud at Chelsea, as the striker needs to move to find more game time in order to keep his place in France's international setup.

Giroud scored a brace to reach 44 international goals on Tuesday night, in a 4-2 win against Sweden. He needs just eight more to surpass Thierry Henry and become his nation's all-time record goal scorer.

However, domestically Giroud has featured just three times for Chelsea this campaign, all coming from the bench and totalling just 33 minutes. While France manager Didier Deschamps has always kept faith in the marksman, he told French radio station RTL (as quoted by TalkSport): "The situation he's in today cannot drag on forever. Before March he will have to find another situation than this one."

So, with the next international break scheduled for March, it's paramount for Giroud to fill that wait with regular game time to secure his spot in Les Bleus' squad for next summer's European Championship.

Here, 90min rank the striker's possible destinations.

7. Inter Miami

Giroud has been linked with David Beckham's MLS project Inter Miami as the next step in his career. There is no doubt it's an enticing prospect - I mean, who wouldn't want to live in Miami on a likely huge wage?

But, the France striker isn't looking to settle at this moment in time. His fellow World Cup winner, Blaise Matuidi, made the switch to Miami in August and has not been seen anywhere near Deschamps' squad since.

So, if Giroud's aim is to cement his name in the 23-man list come the summer, the MLS will have to wait.

Suitability rating: 2/10

6. Bordeaux

Like a fine wine, Giroud has improved with age. It would be fitting, therefore, that he move to Bordeaux. However, this transfer seems very unlikely, given the Frenchman's wages.

The striker would inevitably be a starter at the French side, but might find it hard to make any sort of splash. Despite the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa last month, Bordeaux bereft of any real creativity behind the forwards.

With a lack of chances, Giroud would likely endure a lacklustre spell in such an unspectacular side.

Suitability rating: 4/10

5. Marseille

Domestically, Marseille have enjoyed a good start to the season and sit fourth in Ligue 1.

There is no doubt Giroud would get chances and convert throughout his spell on the Cote d'Azur, with the likes Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet supplying him.

However, the move may be a step down for the striker, given that, by January, Marseille will likely only be competing on the domestic front.

Suitablility rating: 5/10

4. Lyon

With the exit of Memphis Depay looking all but certain, there is an opening in the Lyon side for a forward.

While Lyon aren't competing in Europe, Giroud would be guaranteed to bag plenty of goals in a team bustling with creativity. The likes of Leo Dubois, Hassem Aouar and Rayan Cherki are certain to create chances and Giroud would no doubt take them.

However, the statement of performing in Europe or the competitive Premier League is a bigger one for Deschamps in his selection process.

Suitability rating: 6/10

3. Inter Milan

Antonio Conte's Inter have been heavily linked with Giroud since January, and looks the most realistic destination for him on paper.

The Nerazzurri are probably the most likely in this list to be able to take his wage on board, and will no doubt be a happier stomping ground than Stamford Bridge for the striker.

However, there is still the concern of playing time in the Inter side. Romelu Lukaku continues to prove himself as one of the greatest front men in world football, while Lautaro Martinez is the ideal partner for the Belgian.

Although Conte does play two up front rather than Frank Lampard's one at Chelsea, Giroud would still likely be third choice- something that his International manager has urged him to change.

Suitability rating: 7/10

2. Napoli

Napoli are in the market for a striker, as Arkadiusz Milik looks to be on his way out. This leaves Gennaro Gattuso with just record signing Victor Osimhen as an out and out first-team striker, as Fernando Llorente remains out of favour.

The Serie A side have been linked with Giroud, and while the striker would likely play second fiddle to Osimhen, he can no doubt challenge. Behind him would be the creative unit of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Herving Lozano.

Giroud is more than capable of forming prolific partnerships with quick, creative players- as Eden Hazard would attest.

Having the Europa League as a stage to perform will also help Giroud in securing his place for France.

Suitability rating: 8/10

1. West Ham United

The Hammers could provide Giroud with a Premier League lifeline. David Moyes has struggled to find a talisman at the club and Sebastian Haller doesn't seem to be the solution.

It's no secret the Frenchman can score, and with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma alongside him, he could apply the clinical nature of his game to make the Hammers a force.

Moving to West Ham would of course allow Giroud to skip the hassle of moving house and leaving London - a city he loves. But more importantly, would give him the platform to perform at the highest level and maintain his international role.

Suitability rating: 9/10