Report: Chelsea exit – Olivier Giroud close to agreeing terms with Inter Milan, according to French media

Chelsea’s French international striker Olivier Giroud is close to departing Stamford Bridge, according to French sports news outlet, L’Equipe.

The report claims Inter Milan are in advanced talks with the 33-year-old over a move in January. The ex-Arsenal man has had little chance to impress this season, with Tammy Abraham, and Michy Batshuayi ahead of him in the pecking order in West-London.

A move to Inter would mean reuniting with former Blues boss Antonio Conte. The Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge when Giroud moved across London for a fee of £18m in January 2017.

The Frenchman would still have a fight on his hands for first-team football, with the The Black and Blues having Romelu Lukaku, and Lautaro Martinez spearheading their attack. However, Conte plays them both as a front-two, in a 3-5-2 formation. So appearances from the bench would be very likely. A huge improvement on his current first-team opportunities at Chelsea.

Giroud last appeared for the Blues in a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham. His performance was met by criticism from some fans. His last telling contribution was last May. Opening the scoring, and later winning a penalty in a 4-1 Europa League Cup Final victory against his former club, Arsenal.

The ex-Bordeaux man has been a decent servant to the club. But you can understand his desire to move on. Euro 2020 is on the horizon, and Giroud needs games to warrant a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad. Frank Lampard is Also building a new side, with reliance on young players out to prove themselves.