By Daily Sports on April 9, 2020

Chelsea have opened talks with Olivier Giroud’s representatives over a new contract after the France striker almost left the club in January.

The 33-year-old was resurgent before the Premier League stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak, after previously falling out of favour under Frank Lampard ahead of the winter transfer window.

Inter were the closest team to signing Giroud in January but Chelsea failed to find any attacking replacements to join in the window, leading to them keeping the France international.

Still, Inter had verbally agreed on a deal with Giroud and he will likely get similar terms if he re-joins his old manager Antonio Conte, with a two-and-a-half-year contract having already been discussed.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are only likely to offer a one-year deal due to their policy of short-term contracts for over-30 players, but they have recently broken their policy in certain circumstances.

Giroud, whose contract is set to expire in June, has already said he wants to stay at Chelsea and also stated that he had interest from Tottenham and Lazio in January.

“Yes, of course,” Giroud replied when asked last month if he wanted to stay with Chelsea. “There are a few weeks [to go in the season], games to win and maybe another trophy.

“And after I think I have two, three nice seasons in front of me. It’s not the time to talk about contracts. But one more time I will take a decision when it comes.

“It’s behind me. It was a tough month for me. I just spoke with the manager and I believed what he said, that I would get my chance and he has given me my chance.

“I have tried to give his confidence back on the pitch. I do my job the best that I can and I'm very happy to be back in the team. Of course, my confidence is better.

“The transfer window is behind me. I’m a Chelsea player, I’m happy here again and that's the most important thing.”

Giroud’s contract, like almost all top-level footballers, runs until June 30, which typically gives teams time to complete the season before negotiating new deals. (Goal)

•PHOTO: Olivier Giroud 

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 9, 2020

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