Olivier Giroud has been ‘incredible’ says Frank Lampard
Olivier Giroud may leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window despite signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge, according to reports. The Frenchman was set to become a free agent in June but recently put pen to paper on a 12-month extension, having proved his worth deputising for the injured Tammy Abraham.
However, the World Cup winner was attracting plenty of attention from around Europe before Chelsea finally decided to sign him up for another year.
And The Athletic suggest that the Blues could still sell Giroud if Frank Lampard manages to invest heavily in attacking reinforcements.
The 33-year-old is currently behind Abraham in the pecking order but scored twice in his last three Premier League starts covering for the injured England international.
That contribution convinced Chelsea to hand Giroud another year on his current deal, giving the club added security as they prepare to complete the remainder of the season – which has been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Chelsea transfer news: Olivier Giroud could leave Stamford Bridge despite signing a new contract (Image: GETTY)
Giroud’s contract is thought to signal the end of Michy Batshuayi’s Stamford Bridge career, with the Belgian expected to be shipped out this summer if a buyer can be found.
But Lampard is still on the hunt for a high-profile striker signing and Chelsea have been linked with Moussa Demebele, Timo Werner, Victor Osimhen and Josh King among others.
The Blues are also targeting attacking midfielders in the form of Jadon Sancho, Philippe Coutinho and Kai Havertz so plenty of cash is set to be spent.
The Athletic refuse to rule out the possibility of Giroud still leaving if Chelsea bolster their forward ranks in the upcoming window.
Lazio were thought to be keen on the World Cup winner while former Blues manager Antonio Conte has previously tried to sign Giroud at Inter Milan.
Terms were even agreed in January before Chelsea pulled the plug on the deal, having failed to sign a replacement.
And the Nerazzurri had been poised to offer Giroud a three-year deal with wages of £70,000-a-week before he renewed his contract with the Blues.
Giroud also reportedly rejected a move to Newcastle in January, but the Magpies could try again this summer as they wait for confirmation of a takeover from a Saudi Arabian consortium.
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Chelsea transfer news: The Frenchman recently penned a 12-month extension (Image: GETTY)