OLIVIER GIROUD is reportedly in talks over a potential move to Marseille despite only joining Chelsea from Arsenal in January.
The striker was part of the France squad that won the World Cup but could be sacrificed as new boss Maurizio Sarri looks to bring in his own players.
Giroud was brought in to provide competition for the misfiring Alvaro Morata but both players were often snubbed by Antonio Conte last season, with the Italian preferring to utilise Eden Hazard in a false nine role.
Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks with Juventus about bringing in Gonzalo Higuain.
And according to Eurosport, they’re willing to sell Giroud to Marseille in order to fund a move for the Argentinian.
The report states the French club had been targeting Nice striker Mario Balotelli but have instead turned their attention to Giroud.
Eurosport claim informal discussions have taken place between club chiefs.
Sarri is desperate to bring in fresh faces this summer as Chelsea look to bounce back from a disappointing final campaign under Conte.
The Blues finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Higuain is among Sarri’s targets and the deal could be in its final stages according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
“There’s limited time left in the window,” he said on the Transfer Talk podcast.
“I can’t imagine where a deal in excess of £55m, £60m, £65m can just be plucked out of thin air with two weeks to go when the window shuts because it’s not just that deal that has to get done, it’s going to another deal as well.
“For example a Chelsea player leaving.”