LAFC is finalizing a deal to sign French forward Olivier Giroud, sources briefed on the deal tell The Athletic.
The agreement would be for Giroud to join LAFC this summer when his contract with AC Milan expires. He would join LAFC after Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 through July 14. MLS’s summer transfer window opens on July 18.
The guaranteed portion of the deal runs through the 2025 MLS season, sources add. LAFC has his MLS discovery rights, meaning they have priority to sign him ahead of any other MLS club.
Giroud has confirmed he will be moving to the U.S. in a farewell video to Milan supporters.
He said: “I’m here to tell you the next two games will be my last for Milan. I’m going to continue my career, but in the MLS. I’m very, very proud of everything I’ve done for Milan in these three years. It’s the right time to say it.”
He added: “My story with Milan ends this year but Milan will remain in my heart forever.”
The deal would see Giroud spearhead LAFC’s attack with reigning MLS golden boot winner Denis Bouanga as well as Uruguay international Cristian Olivera. LAFC has seven points after five matches to start the year and is coming off a 5-0 thrashing of Nashville SC last weekend.
Mateusz Bogusz, a natural central midfielder, has served as Steve Cherundolo’s first choice center forward in a false nine role. The club’s two natural options at the position are young players — academy product Nathan Ordaz and Colombian youth international Tomas Angel.
Since joining Milan from Chelsea in the summer of 2021, Giroud has been integral to Milan’s success, which included winning Serie A in his first season. He has 49 goals during his time in Italy.
Giroud is best known for his time with Arsenal, where he had 105 goals and 41 assists in 253 appearances for the Premier League club. He broke through with Montpellier, leading them to an unlikely league title in 2011-12. He won the Champions League and Europa League in four seasons with Chelsea, as well.
At the international level, Giroud helped France reach the World Cup final in both 2018 and 2022, beating Croatia in the 2018 final and losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final.
Giroud has 56 goals in 130 caps with France.
(Photo: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
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