Chelsea have triggered a 12-month extension in Olivier Giroud’s contract to secure his future until the end of next season, reports Gianluca Di Marzio
The 33-year-old was desperate to secure a move way from Chelsea at the start of the year to boost his hopes of starting for France at Euro 2020.
Talks between Chelsea and Inter collapsed and Giroud was left to fight for game time at Stamford Bridge before Euro 2020 was pushed back 12 months due to COVID-19.
Giroud had been free to discuss a Bosman transfer with foreign sides from January onwards and received a proposal from Serie A side Lazio.
However, that is now off the table as Chelsea have extended his contract by another season, although it doesn’t mean the 33-year-old will stay at the club this summer.
Chelsea are now in the position where they can command a fee for Giroud or hold on to the former Arsenal striker if they fail to get the right business done in the transfer window.
Giroud has been limited to just nine Premier League appearances this season but showed his worth in Chelsea’s last few games before football was suspended. The 2018 World Cup winner’s two league goals this season have come in his last three starts in the competition.