Chelsea ‘willing to let Olivier Giroud leave in January as a reward for his service at the club’
Chelsea are willing to grant Olivier Giroud an amicable exit from the club in January to thank him for his good service, according to reports.
The French striker’s game time at Stamford Bridge has been severely limited following the arrivals of German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in the summer, while striker Tammy Abraham has been in good form for Frank Lampard‘s side.
The 34-year-old is yet to start a match in the Premier League for the Blues this season while Giroud has also been an unused substitute for half of Chelsea’s matches in all competitions this season.
Chelsea will let Olivier Giroud leave in January as a thank you gift, according to reports
The forward (second right) has been a regular substitute under Frank Lampard (left) this term
And according to The Athletic, the west Londoners will not stand in Giroud’s way of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge in search of more regular football as Chelsea appreciate the work he has done for him over the past three years.
Chelsea are prepared to act in a similar manner to when they allowed long-term servants Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic to leave the club, while Petr Cech was allowed a free choice his next move in 2015 as the goalkeeper picked Arsenal following 11 years of service at Stamford Bridge.
However, the report says no decision on Giroud’s future will be made until much closer to the January transfer window as the Blues want to see whether there is an injury crisis in Chelsea’s striking department over the winter months.
Giroud was in a very similar position at Arsenal three seasons ago when the arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette saw him start several games on the bench, threatening his spot in France’s 2018 World Cup squad.
The Blues will ‘not stand in the striker’s way’ regarding an exit after his service to the club
Giroud was in a similar situation three years ago when he joined Chelsea for more game time
A lack of game time saw him swap north London for west and a move to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in January 2018 allowed him to play a key role in France’s World Cup-winning campaign.
But the situation at Chelsea this time around has left Giroud ‘worried’ about his international place once again ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
The striker told Telefoot while on international duty: ‘It’s worrying. I thought I still had a role to play at Chelsea but my playing time is getting reduced a lot.
‘It’s going to have to change or a decision must be made.
‘I am clear-headed about my situation: I will have to make a decision in January. I hope to make the right one, as I have always done.’
Giroud (left) claims he is ‘worried’ about his international future ahead of next summer’s Euros
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Giroud has helped the Blues win the 2018 FA Cup and the 2019 Europa League, with the French striker starting both finals and scoring in European finale with former club Arsenal.
After struggling for game time last season, Giroud was reinstalled to Chelsea’s starting line-up by Lampard following the coronavirus hiatus last season and he helped the Blues secure a top-four finish on the final day of the season.
The player’s agent, Michael Manuello, claims Giroud would be happy to stay in the Premier League but is also willing to try new experiences away from England’s top-flight.
The 34-year-old has helped Chelsea win the FA Cup and Europa League since arriving in 2018
The intermediary said: ‘Olivier is looking for a place where he can enjoy playing, have a good quality of life and feel strong emotions.
‘So if he can ever discover something new again, he will look for something new. It would be ideal for him to discover another culture.
‘A new English club with big goals could also make him think because the Premier League remains an extraordinary league, which offers a different sort of pleasure.
‘So, if a great Premier League club came along, yes, he might think about it but he is ready to go and live abroad.’
Giroud has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, while Conte’s Inter Milan have also reportedly expressed an interest in the 34-year-old.
