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LAFC is keen to add depth to its offense in the upcoming months as the Black & Gold have two DP slots open and have their eyes on a proven veteran striker: Frenchman Olivier Giroud.
Tom Bogert has reported that LAFC is in advanced talks with Giroud about a potential summer move when his current deal with AC Milan expires. Nothing is set in stone; however, LAFC does have Giroud’s discovery rights, and sources close to the Frenchman say he is weighing his options.
The 37-year-old striker is France’s all-time leading goalscorer (56 goals) in 129 caps with the international team. Giroud helped France reach two straight World Cup finals, winning the highly coveted cup in 2018 and losing the final in 2022.
Currently playing in Italy’s Serie A, he has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists for AC Milan this season. Since joining Milan in 2021, Giroud has netted 46 goals and helped the club win Serie A in his first season.
Although he is heading into the tail end of his career, the veteran striker can be productive for a team like LAFC, which desperately lacks a true No. 9.
“Any player of that caliber will help any team, and he's obviously proven a lot in his career,” said Cherundolo about the rumors swirling around the club. “He's a true reference, a true nine, and certainly the position of a player we're looking for.”
LAFC is 2-1-2 and sits in sixth place in the Western Conference standings. Prior to the win against Nashville SC, the Black & Gold were in a goalless drought, going 305 minutes without scoring. They desperately lacked the potent firepower they are accustomed to. However, the 2023 Golden Boot winner Dénis Bouanga finally got going with two goals as LAFC ultimately cruised to a 5-0 victory against Nashville.
With the potential addition of Giroud, LAFC can produce a deadly attack with Bouanga up top as they seek their third straight MLS Cup appearance.