Who Is Olivier Giroud’s Replacement at AC Milan as 37YO Agrees MLS Transfer to LAFC?

Olivier Giroud is making headlines for obvious reasons. The French international has reportedly agreed to a transfer to MLS side Los Angeles FC. With the deal yet to be finalized, it has left his current club, AC Milan, in a huge limbo regarding his replacement. Luckily, the Italian giants seem to have found a replacement for their outbound striker. 

Joshua Zirkzee is a name that has come up at Rossoneri’s table. As reported by Relevo earlier in January, Milan sees the on-loan Bologna star as an ideal replacement for Giroud. The deal looks perfect for Stefano Pioli and Co., as the 22-year-old is a significant future investment for the outbound 37-year-old French striker. However, there is a major hurdle for the Seria A giants. 

Zirkzee’s is tied up with Bayern Munich until the summer of 2026. Hence, Milan will have to pay his €40 million or $43 million release clause if they wish to sign the Dutchman in the upcoming transfer window. Notably, Zirkzee kickstarted his career in his homeland while playing for Spartaan, ADO Youth, and Feyenoord, until in 2017, Bayern Munich signed him for their youth setup. Having successfully risen through the ranks of the Bavarians, the center-forward left the Alliance Arena in 2020. 

Since then, he has enjoyed brief loan stints with Parma and RSC Anderlecht, until the summer of 2022, when he joined Bologna. So far, the youngster has been quite impressive for the Italian side, having notched 12 goals and 7 assists in over 34 appearances across all competitions. If Milan manages to convince Zirkzee to sign with them, it will certainly provide them with a significant boost to their attack, similar to what Giroud offers. Speaking of the Frenchman, let’s delve deeper to learn more about his upcoming transfer.

Everything to know about the transfer of Olivier Giroud to LAFC 

LAFC has reportedly finalized all terms to secure the signing of Olivier Giroud. The 37-year-old will arrive at BMO Stadium as a free agent when his contract expires in June. Despite attractive offers from Saudi Arabia and Europe, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker opted to join the MLS side. Negotiations, which began weeks ago, culminated in a verbal agreement reached back in March. 

Additionally, Giroud is set to ink a contract with the Falcons until December 2025. The French international will receive €3 million ($3.2 million) annually with LAFC. Interestingly, the 2018 World Cup winner will reunite with his compatriot Hugo Lloris at BMO Stadium, with the former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper also joining the Southern California club as a free agent during the winter transfer window.

Indeed, signing Olivier Giroud is quite a bargain for LAFC. However, it remains to be seen if the Frenchman’s current club can acquire Joshua Zirkzee as his replacement.