Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has publicly advised his former club to pursue two key signings during the upcoming January transfer window to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad: a consistent striker and a centre-back.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the French international emphasized that while the team possesses talent, it currently lacks the necessary experience and reliable goal-scorer at the crucial center-forward position.
Giroud stated:
“He [Maresca] needs a striker who is consistent. He needs to find a good player. A player who will score goals every single week. He’s got so much talent in the room, but I think he may need more experience.”
The squad is very young. Maybe he needs, or he feels he needs, one or two more players. Maybe a centre-back and a No. 9.”
Despite calling for a new striker, Giroud offered a vote of confidence to one of Chelsea’s recent acquisitions, Liam Delap (who joined from Ipswich Town in the summer and wears the cursed No. 9 shirt):
“But I do like Delap. If we give him some time, I think he can be the type of striker to do the job.”
Delap, however, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent scoring since his move, which validates Giroud’s wider concern about the need for immediate, experienced output.
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League Position: Chelsea currently sits 4th in the Premier League table, with 28 points from 16 matches.
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Next Match: They face Newcastle United away from home this weekend, on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Giroud’s comments align with general speculation that despite recent defensive improvements and a host of young attackers, Chelsea still needs proven quality in the spine of the team to challenge the top two.
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