The surprise link was reported by Turkish journalist Batuhan Engin, who indicated Bursaspor officials had already held a video call with the 39-year-old French striker.
The club, promoted to the second division of Turkish football, are attempting to engineer what would be one of the most eyebrow-raising transfers of the summer. The stumbling block is financial — Giroud's wage demands exceed what the newly promoted club are currently in a position to offer.
Giroud returned to Europe last summer after one season in MLS with Los Angeles FC, joining Lille and contributing 11 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions. His contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy has now expired and he is free to negotiate with whichever club he chooses.
Before his MLS spell, Giroud retired from the French national team following his role in the 2022 World Cup campaign and spent three seasons at AC Milan, where he scored 38 goals in 83 appearances. He remains the all-time top scorer for France with 57 international goals.
Bursaspor would need to improve their offer significantly to have any realistic chance of bringing a World Cup winner and two-time Champions League finalist to the second tier of Turkish football. Whether Giroud's appetite for a new challenge extends that far remains to be seen.