L’Equipe have a big feature in their Monday edition playing Olivier Giroud and Mario Balotelli against each other as options for Marseille’s new striker.
The French club seem to have been looking for a star man to head their attack since their takeover, and despite endless links it’s never happened.
Balotelli has spent the summer being linked with a move to Marseille and with his Nice contract only having a year left there’s thought to be an agreement he can leave for around €10m.
Added to that would be Mino Raiola’s agent costs and high wages.
Chelsea’s Giroud is the alternative.
It’s explained that the Frenchman moved from Arsenal for around €20m in the January transfer window and ‘it’s difficult to imagine’ he’d cost less than €15m.
Chelsea would surely be looking to make their money back and given Giroud is now a World Cup winner he comes with some added lustre, especially for a French club.
For L’Equipe, it’s advantage Giroud.