Lampard makes final decision on Giroud’s future at Chelsea ahead of January transfer window
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard insists Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is an important member of the squad amid reports the French striker has asked to leave the club in January.
Lampard told reporters: “Oli is a very important member of our squad. He played a lot of games last year, he will always want to play more, and he is a huge member of the squad for me. I know he will be important for us going forward so I want Oli to be here and to stay.
“I have a very good relationship with Oli and if ever he felt it was going to go a different way I would happily have that conversation with him. But I want him to stay here.
“There is competition in the forward areas at Chelsea. Everyone has to take that one. I saw Oli’s agent’s quotes and I thought nothing of them. Oli and I have very open conversations.
“He wants to play. When he doesn’t play he is an incredible support for the other players. He trains brilliantly no matter what. We will cross that January bridge when it comes, but my thought has to be the strength of our squad.”