18 Nov 2020 10:07:27
Hi guys and Ed's, hope you're all well, there's been rumours of Real Madrid striker Diaz joining in January possibly on loan, I can't say I know a lot about him, any thoughts guys?

{Ed002's Note - It is true that Real Madrid have the representatives of Mariano Diaz offering him around on ideally a loan to buy option as they continue to clear the decks ready for a summer spending spree. Dias is an out and out striker who had a very good season at Lyon three years ago but is simply not good enough for Real Madrid where the goals return has been well below average. He has rejected loans to several clubs already inclding West Brom and Brighton - West Ham may offer solution but commiting to an obligation to buy may not be wise.}

1.) 18 Nov 2020
18 Nov 2020 10:38:54
Thanks for the info Ed, 👍.

2.) 18 Nov 2020
18 Nov 2020 16:47:18
Great info 002.

Anything on other strikers being linked such as Dembele, Jovic and Giroud?

{Ed002's Note - Moussa Dembele (S) has not reacted well to being on the bench for a few games and with Tino Kadewere proving his worth Lyon are open to selling. There has been a discussion with a couple of sides already but neither could offer him a starting role. David Moyes is a known fan of the player and might well see him as an option at the right price. Luca Jovic (S) was being offered to Napoli as part of the deal for Ruiz but had a broken heel to recover from first and then Real Madrid stopped looking to major signings this past summer having "delayed" four signings to next summer. Roma (having lost out on their two preferred choices), Inter and Milan will likely fight it out and offer Real Madrid some complicated deal invloving an initial loan. Benfica were interested but opted for Luca Waldschmidt. Milan will want a loan to buy from January - but will want an option rather than an obligation to buy. I don't see West Ham in the loop right now. Olivier Giroud (S) out of contract in the summer and likely available in January. West Ham would offer a good solution as he can stay in London. Crystal Palace offered the same solution but there is no interest. Napoli and Inter have both raised the subject with Chelsea. Lyon and Bordeaux have likely moved on from their prior interest. There was a discussion with Rennes but that will only come in to play if M'Baye Niang were to leave. The lady from Marseille knows him well and may offer a solution but they really want a younger player.}

3.) 19 Nov 2020
19 Nov 2020 03:29:41
Oliver Giroud would be a godd back up for Antonio and with our young players coming through i don't see the reason to spend a large amount of money on untried premiership players, learn from our previous mistakes leave them alone and buy what you know that can play in the premiership. Giroud is getting on but he can still do a good job as a back up centre forward and can hold the ball up which is a must for our game. If we can get this season over with good times i hope will come with the crop of youngsters we have coming through.
What do you think lads?

4.) 19 Nov 2020
19 Nov 2020 07:32:26
I have always rated Giroud👍Would have liked us to have got him a couple of seasons ago when he was rumoured to be available? Big man that can score goals and hold the ball up as well, yes short term only, but great for me if possible? Could be used as part of a deal if the Rice rumour goes ahead plus a centre back. ⚒⚒⚒⚒.

5.) 19 Nov 2020
19 Nov 2020 16:33:26
Thx very much, 002.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

6.) 19 Nov 2020
19 Nov 2020 16:35:44
I read that Giroud has been told that he needs game time if he wants to be in the frame to play for France. Being a back up wouldn’t be enough for him for his next gig.

{Ed002's Note - You are right, Giroud would not move to be back up.

7.) 23 Nov 2020
23 Nov 2020 08:47:10
My worry is the names being mentioned would want to be guaranteed starters. Dembele for example is upset at a few games on the bench, that could well happen at West Ham and then we have another stroppy person who won't help the squad. I rather we get someone who wants to be at West Ham and isn't known for being upset every time they are benched.

8.) 23 Nov 2020
23 Nov 2020 09:51:44
Giroud is a BIG no for me. Age would not make him a wise siginig even if on a free as he would want big wages and take up a spot we need available for a long-term striker. Michail is 30, we do not need an imobile striker at 34 to come into our squad.
He would NOT start ahead of Antonio when fit, and for anyone criticising Haller in our current system Giroud would not do better and would potentially be even less effective given his age is slowing him down even more.
Great player in his day, but there is a reason he is not starting at Chelsea and even Tammy Abrahams is ahead of him. Tammy for me would not get in our team ahead of Antonio. We need someone who can replace Antonio's energy and athleticism.