Following this weekend’s reports from France, Chelsea have today confirmed that the club have exercised the option for a one-year extension on Olivier Giroud’s contract.
The Europa League’s leading goalscorer joined from Arsenal in January 2018, but the 18-month deal he signed also included the 12-month club-option, which means that Chelsea could activate the extension without needing a new agreement from the striker.
Allez les Bleus! @_OlivierGiroud_ has signed a contract extension with the Blues! ✍️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2019
In reality, we were probable able to convince Giroud that he’s wanted as much (or nearly as much) as he is wanted by several teams back in his native France, including OGC Nice, who were hoping the 32-year-old World Cup-winner would decide to be done with the Premier League.
At the moment, Giroud’s the only striker in the squad who’s under contract for next season. Chelsea are reportedly passing on Gonzalo Higuaín and the futures of returning loanees like Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi are very much up in the air.
Nice to have at least one piece in place, especially with the transfer ban remaining in effect.
Congrats, OG, let’s keep winning things!