“We knew how to find each other” - Olivier Giroud wants Chelsea star he shared ‘excellent’ connection with to join him at AC Milan

Olivier Giroud is hoping to reunite with former Chelsea teammate Christian Pulisic at AC Milan next season.

Pulisic has fallen down the pecking order at the west London club. He has started just eight Premier League games for Chelsea this season, registering just one goal in 27 appearances across all competitions.

With the USMNT star entering the final 12 months of his contract and the club investing heavily in his position (Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke), he is expected to be on the move when the summer transfer window opens.

His former Chelsea teammate Giroud, who now plies his trade with AC Milan, is hoping to link up with him once again in Italy. Speaking about his excellent understanding with Pulisic, the Frenchman said (via CBS Sport):

“I think everyone would like (to see Pulisic at Milan). He’s a big name in Europe, so that would help us. He is that kind of player with great skills, with great talent. He is a cheerful boy, always smiling. We laughed a lot with him.”

He added:

“Our understanding on the pitch was also excellent, a bit like with Eden Hazard, even though I played less with Christian. We knew how to find each other.”

Chelsea signed Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in a £58 million deal in 2019. He has since made 128 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals and picking up 21 assists.

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"Has a finesse which echoes that of Dennis Bergkamp" - Chelsea urged to sign Ivan Toney

Former Republic of Ireland star Tony Cascarino has advised Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer.

Brentford signed Toney from Peterborough in a £5 million deal in January 2020. He has since helped establish The Bees as a Premier League side, while also showcasing his skills at the highest level.

In this column for the Times, former Chelsea striker Cascarino heaped praise on Toney and urged the 'bigger' Premier League clubs to make a move for him this summer. He said:

“I cannot believe Ivan Toney’s improvement technically over the past 18 months. He was one of the best players at Anfield. The Brentford striker has added all sorts of deft touches to his game, such as the clever pass that assisted Bryan Mbeumo’s disallowed goal.”

He added:

“He has a finesse which, dare I say it, echoes that of Dennis Bergkamp. Toney’s subtlety complements his stature and finishing. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United should all consider a move.”

Toney has made 66 appearances for Bretford in the top flight, scoring 32 goals and registering nine assists. This season, only Erling Haaland (35 goals) and Harry Kane (26 goals) have scored more than the 27-year-old (20) in the Premier League.