The biggest transfer story involving Chelsea so far this winter window is the alleged imminent departure of their third choice striker.
Olivier Giroud has fallen way down the ranks under Frank Lampard this season and his exit looks inevitable.
Antonio Conte’s Inter side are the ones who have been most heavily linked, with an apparent deal being expected to be concluded by now, according to a number of strong sources.
#Inter have found an agreement with #Chelsea for Olivier #Giroud. 4.5 M plus adds on and a contract until 2022 for the French striker. He’s expected to arrive in Milan by the end of the week. #CFC @DiMarzio
— Francesco Porzio (@fraporzio95) January 14, 2020
Giroud only wants to join Inter. The agreement between Inter and Chelsea is now ready to be finalized for €5M+add ons. Talks ongoing to complete everything and prepare his medicals in Milano. 🔵 #Chelsea #CFC #Giroud https://t.co/x4CGv5CPsi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 15, 2020
However, Giroud to Inter is not yet done, with the club’s CEO yesterday stating that ‘they will decide’ on Giroud in the next few days…
Inter CEO Marotta: "We're in talks with Eriksen's agent but there are many clubs interested in him. We'll decide also about Giroud on next days, Victor Moses is a possibility". ⚫️🔵 @SkySport #Inter
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2020
So the saga continues.
Meanwhile, this seems to have given hope to Premier League side Aston Villa, who are also keen on signing the veteran striker this window.
According to French outlet Le10Sport, Villa officials have ‘regained hope’ that they might be able to sign Giroud, due to the stuttering Inter deal.
The Villans are looking for striker reinforcements due to the injury to main man Wesley Moraes.
