Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud says there is still a possibility that he will be at Stamford Bridge next season.

The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer, and the forward has talked about returning to France at the end of the campaign.

However, Giroud believes nothing is set in stone. With the Blues’ transfer ban, he may still be needed by the London club, and he says he could be persuaded to stay if he is given more game time:

“At the club, we still need to wait to see regarding if we will have the opportunity to get some players [in the next transfer windows].”

“If not the club will be blocked and maybe then they will need me more and to offer me something. I am very happy there, but it all depends on a few things so we will see.”

“The French media have made too much of some comments from me trying to push me into a move to Lyon. I am staying objective, and if I can stay at Chelsea I will be happy – but I need to play more.”

Manager Maurizio Sarri has usually only started the 32-year-old in the Europa League, but the France international has certainly been pushing for more starts in the Premier League.

Giroud scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 win against Dynamo Kiev in the second leg of their last 16 tie. He has also continued his rich vein of form during the international break.

Despite his lack of minutes at club level, he continues to be a regular for France under manager Didier Deschamps, scoring in both European qualifiers against Moldova and Iceland last week.