Chelsea transfer news: Frank Lampard has a decision to make on Olivier Giroud ahead of January window
Olivier Giroud believes there could be a big decision to make regarding his Chelsea future when the January transfer window comes around.
The France international joined Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal in January 2018 but, despite finishing as last season’s Europa League top scorer with 11 goals, has since started just 14 Premier League for the Blues.
Should Giroud leave Chelsea? Five things to know…
- Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018.
- Since then, he’s started just 14 Premier League games.
- Giroud recently insisted he won’t accept his fringe role.
- And now he believes there could be a decision to make in January regarding his future.
- Giroud was last season’s Europa League top scorer with 11 goals.
Giroud recently insisted he “cannot accept” the fringe role he is currently playing at Chelsea and now believes he and manager Frank Lampard will have a decision to make if his situation doesn’t improve by January.
“I’m going to fight for my place at Chelsea and we will take stock of the situation in January,” he said.
“If you ask me whether I want to leave I’ll say ‘not necessarily’ – but other things enter the equation. I cannot be happy with what I have at the moment. I am 33 but I still have several good years left in me.
“I still have the legs and a profile that I think will enable me to keep playing at the top level. I feel in good shape physically and I lead a healthy lifestyle. I want to enjoy myself and play matches.
“That could be for Chelsea – who are my first choice – or elsewhere. But if they force me to make a decision I will do it – just like when I left Arsenal.”
France manager Didier Deschamps is also keen to see Giroud on the pitch more at club level, with the 33-year-old continuing to play a key role at international level despite his struggles with Chelsea.
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“You know, Olivier suffers his situation. Before January, nothing will move,” Deschamps told reporters. “After, it will be up to him to see. I hope he will have more playing time.
“But we cannot take away his goals, his good performances. He scores, he makes others play well.
“He knows he is under pressure, but he always responds.”
