Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri believes the club will offer striker Oliver Giroud a contract extension.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season but the Blues do have the option of extending his stay for a further year. When asked about Giroud’s situation, Sarri said:
“I know the club have an option with him for another season, so I think he will remain.”
Fans on Twitter agree that the 32-year-old is deserving of a new deal:
If we have the ban it’s a no brainer … ger rid of higuain replace him with michy or tammy
— ????? (@CareFreeRomeo) 6 April 2019
Giroud is more suitable for Sarri (in EPL) than Higuain (suitable for Seria A)….he makes surrounding players play good!!
— Rajiv Pokharel (@RajivPokharel) 7 April 2019
Good news.?
— Steven CFC (@StevenRisley2) 7 April 2019
Nice
— Phaphamani Bantwini (@P16Bantwini) 8 April 2019
Best striker at the club & a threat to bring on from the bench. Should retire at SB
— Rnjn (@IAMRnjn) 7 April 2019
He’s earned it !!!
— Norm Rumack (@NormanRumack) 7 April 2019
WTF! Same Strike force next season? Higuain and Giroud? Ar u kidding me ?
— Chimezie Obianuka (@CObianuka) 7 April 2019
For everything he has done for the club I’m happy for him for this… It’s my hope and prayer he when the time comes for him to leave, he leaves with an epl title. TheOG
— LeDon? (@PeteroYoungRoss) 7 April 2019
They don’t have much choice as they have no way of buying replacements for anyone….
— Matt Krueger (@Kruegs19) 7 April 2019
Better than Higuain
— MrMojoRisin (@ImTheDuDe86) 6 April 2019
As some supporters mention, the outcome of Chelsea’s appeal against a two-window transfer ban on Thursday will likely prove decisive over whether Giroud is given an extension.
With the London club unable to sign any players, the France international will likely play a crucial squad role next season, with Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham also coming back into the fold after loan spells.
The situation surrounding Gonzalo Higuain’s future is complicated. Chelsea have the option to extend his loan for another year or sign him on a permanent basis. If their ban is still in place, it will be up to FIFA to decide whether his registration from his current loan will be carried forward into any new loan deal.