Olivier Giroud is in talks to join LAFC on a transfer from AC Milan this summer.

Giroud's contract expires this summer and has also had talks with other MLS clubs. Giroud's preference is to join LAFC.

LAFC also holds Giroud's discovery rights within MLS, meaning it has priority if he moves to the league. 

Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from soccer at the age of 33.

Bale had vowed to continue his career after Wales was eliminated from the World Cup.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," said Bale.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have achieved my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”

Bale was in the middle of a contract with LAFC in the MLS.

LAFC will host Philadelphia Union for the 2022 MLS Cup final after both teams advanced.

LAFC defeated Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference final while Philadelphia defeated New York City FC 3-1.

The match will feature the two No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2003.

The average MLS franchise is worth $582 million, according to data compiled by Sportico.

Los Angeles FC ranks first at $900 million, while CF Montreal ranks last at $390 million.

Collectively, the 28 franchises are worth $16.3 billion.

1. LAFC: $900 million
2. LA Galaxy: $865 million
3. Atlanta United: $855 million
4. Seattle Sounders FC: $725 million
5. Toronto FC: $705 million
6. D.C. United: $700 million
7. New York City FC: $690 million
8. Portland Timbers: $685 million
9. Austin FC: $630 million
10. Inter Miami CF: $585 million
11. Sporting Kansas City: $575 million
12. Charlotte FC: $570 million
13. Minnesota United FC: $565 million
14. Columbus Crew: $560 million
15. Philadelphia Union: $555 million
16. FC Cincinnati: $550 million
17. Chicago Fire FC: $535 million
18. New York Red Bulls: $525 million
19. Nashville SC: $520 million
20. San Jose Earthquakes: $515 million
21. New England Revolution: $495 million
22. Houston Dynamo FC: $474 million
23. FC Dallas: $470 million
24. Real Salt Lake: $430 million
25. Orlando City SC: $420 million
26. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: $415 million
27. Colorado Rapids: $400 million
28. CF Montreal: $390 million

LAFC has hired Steve Cherundolo as its next manager.

Cherundolo replaces Bob Bradley, who parted ways with LAFC after his contract expired following the conclusion of the 2021 season. Bradley ultimately moved to take over at Toronto FC.

The appointment concludes a long apprenticeship for Cherundolo, 42, who is being promoted from within after managing USL Championship side the Las Vegas Lights last season. 

Diego Rossi finished the 2020 MLS regular season with 14 goals, becoming the youngest player to win the MLS Golden Boot.

Rossi is 22 years old and has scored 42 goals in 85 career appearances with LAFC.

MLS will restart its season in home markets on August 12th.

The league also announced that 18 teams will make the playoffs this season.

The MLS Cup final will take place on December 12th.

Each side will play 18 more matches for a 23-game regular season.

A "majority" of matches will be held without fans, though the league is working with local governments to have limited capacity for certain games.

Carlos Vela has opted out of the MLS is Back Tournament. 

Vela's wife is pregnant and he was long believed to be unlikely to participate. 

Vela is the reigning MVP of MLS.

Banc of California is paying a $20.1 million fee for the right to end its stadium-naming deal with LAFC 12 years early.

Collecting the termination fee, akin to three years’ worth of the current payments, will help buoy the team as it seeks another naming rights partner amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has halted play in the major U.S. sports leagues.

“The good news with naming rights is that those companies typically look at these deals as long-term investments,” LAFC president Tom Penn said.

The original deal was costing Banc of California about $7.2 million a year, including the $6.7 million average annual payment and other annual expenses of around $500,000, according to the filing.

Gareth Bale said he would "definitely be interested" in playing in the MLS in the future.

Real Madrid nearly agreed to a deal for Bale to play in China before talks broke down. Bale's contract runs until 2022.

"I really like the league," Bale told The Hat-Trick podcast. "It's grown so much over the years. When we come over and play now in pre-season, the games are difficult. The standard is a lot better. All the clubs are improving, the facilities are improving, the stadiums are improving.

"It's a league that's on the up and still rising, and I think a lot more players want to come over to America now to play. I'd definitely be interested in it. I love going to Los Angeles on holiday."