Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud’s agent has held talks with the club over a possible contract extension, according to reports in Italy.
The Frenchman’s representative Michael Manuello has asked for a two-year deal, but Blues’ director Marina Granovskaia is only prepared to extend the 33-year-old’s current contract for a further twelve months.
There has been a mixed reaction to the story on Twitter, with some fans wanting Giroud to stay while others feeling it is time for him to leave Stamford Bridge:
Shouldn’t extend it. Time to move on.
— Ben? (@RealBenGill) April 6, 2020
Giroud deserves it @ChelseaFc and he has always performed on the field when called upon. He’s a loyal servant.
— Joshville85 (@Joshville85) April 6, 2020
Sell him
— kingdomAfrica (@africa_kingdom) April 6, 2020
He should be give out free of charge. He has been long surplus to the requirement. Olivier Giroud is not in Chelsea class.
— Samsudeen Mobolaji Popoola ?? (@Mr_SamPo) April 6, 2020
Give 2 years already
— TROYˡᶤᶬᶤᵗᵉᵈ (@TravisTroyy) April 6, 2020
Now Giroud is someone you keep around. Not being given a chance and still staying professional is the type of maturity you want in a player and he has plenty of experience to. Was really starting to make a difference a few weeks ago.
— Anubhav Kaushal (@akaushal0995) April 6, 2020
We should definitely extend, hope it happens
— Mod (@CFCMod_) April 6, 2020
Deserves the 2 years IMO.
— Paul G (@madforret) April 6, 2020
bad bad deal, we need to move on from him. Significantly brings down our chances of signing a striker
— Abinanth C (@abinanth19) April 6, 2020
Giroud forced his way back into Frank Lampard‘s first-team plans before the enforced break in football fixtures. He had started five of the Blues’ last six games in all competitions.
However, the club’s board have always been reluctant to offer players over thirty long contracts, and if the France international continues to insist on a two-year deal, his departure in the summer is very likely. Inter Milan is said to be his likeliest destination where he would link up with former coach Antonio Conte.