Chelsea FC official website has confirmed that Olivier Giroud’s contract has been extended until the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 32-year-old French striker has been rewarded for his performances in the Europa League, where he leads the scorers’ chart with 10 goals.
“I am very happy to sign a new contract,” Giroud said. “I really wanted to stay at least one more year – I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come.”
Club director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are very pleased that Olivier will be a Chelsea player for another season. Since joining us 18 months ago, he has at times had to be patient and wait for opportunities, but has still been able to make a positive contribution to the team.
“Whether it is his unselfish link-up play or his 10 Europa League goals this season, he has been a crucial member of the squad and we hope he will be able to pick up a second Chelsea winner’s medal in Baku later this month to accompany last season’s FA Cup win.”
Giroud’s agreement to the extension might mean that Gonzalo Higuain’s days at the club are numbered.
Though Chelsea are confident they will be able to sign the Argentinian permanently even under the transfer ban, the negotiations are yet to start.