Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is closing in on a move to Italian
giants AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.
The former Arsenal man, who joined Chelsea back in January 2018
on an initial 18-month deal, is reported to have agreed personal
terms with the Serie A outfit ahead of making the move to the San
Siro.
Giroud, who stepped off the bench during France’s 1-1 draw with
Hungary at Euro 2020 on Saturday, was confirmed to have had his
Chelsea contract extended earlier this month, despite finding
opportunities limited under Blues chief Thomas Tuchel.
However, despite having seen the option of a one-year extension
triggered, Giroud still looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, with Sky
Italia, as cited by the Metro, reporting that the 34-year-old has put
pen to paper on a two-year deal, reported to be worth £3million a
year.
Although personal terms between Giroud and Milan have been
agreed, the Italian giants are yet to agree a fee with Chelsea for his
signature, although the striker hopes the Blues will allow him to
leave on a free transfer.
However, with the Blues keen on adding fresh blood to Tuchel’s
squad this summer it is unlikely that they would be willing to
accept a free offer, with them keen to raise as much money as
possible to fund possible deals for the likes of Inter Milan’s Achraf
Hakimi and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund.
If Chelsea were to secure a fee for Giroud it would have shades of
what happened back in 2019 when David Luiz agreed to sign a new
deal at Stamford Bridge and was then sold a few months later to
Arsenal for £8million.
Recently, Giroud addressed reports linking him with a move to
Milan, refusing to rule out the prospect that he would leave
Stamford Bridge.
“I want to make it clear that Chelsea reactivated the clause in April
and they recently announced it to comply with Premier League
rules,” said Giroud.
“It’s fair to remember that I liked [Milan legends] Marco van Basten
and Andriy Shevchenko.
“Milan are a big club and one of the great teams in Europe.
“But, today, I will not talk about my future at the club because I am
focused on the France team and the Euros, which is fast
approaching.”
Current Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also spoken publicly
about the claims linking Giroud with a move to Italy, and he
admitted that he would welcome the move if it was to happen.
“The more high-level players we can sign, the better,” Ibrahimovic
told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Giroud has great experience and we
don’t have many players who have won trophies.
“If he comes he is welcome. Also because this is a very helpful
group, willing to learn and improve, a well-guided group.
“Am I selfish? I have to be, there are many are kings but there is
only one god and that’s me. But without my team-mates I don’t go
anywhere and I know it.
“Football made me meet people, travel, experience different
cultures. It gave me the life I have.
What did I give? The most
complete striker in the world.”
Leave a Reply