Giroud wants extension talks, not exit talks at Chelsea

Thanks to an attitude and several goals just as good-looking as the man himself, Olivier Giroud quickly earned himself the favor of the Chelsea crowd, despite his 5.5-year association with Arsenal just prior.

However, just as quickly as he had arrived, he could’ve been gone. With several other, younger options at the position, and the club’s financial commitment to Giroud not negligible — £18m transfer fee amortized over 1.5 years, with wages rumored around £120k week — there could’ve been be some incentive for Chelsea to push for a move.

Interest from Atlético Madrid and Olympique Marseille arrived, but Giroud made sure to brush them aside. In fact, not only does not want to leave, he wants to extend his stay beyond this season.

“No, [I never considered moving to Marseille]. I am happy here at Chelsea. I just arrived a few months ago and am just starting to settle well.”

”I still have one year [of my contract] to go with Chelsea, plus maybe another one. I’m going to discuss that with the club at the right time. There is no rush.”

-Olivier Giroud; Source: London Evening Standard

Extending his contract would reduce his FFP hit, which would certainly be a bonus, provided he continues his good form from last season and replicates his impact from the World Cup, where he may not have scored any goals for France, but was instrumental in them winning the tournament.