Atlético-linked Giroud wants to stay and fight for his Chelsea spot — report

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea's FA Cup and France's World Cup champion Olivier Giroud wants to “stay and fight” for playing time at Chelsea instead of moving to Spain as recent rumors intimated.

Atletico Madrid had apparently made an inquiry and according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea just might be open to a sale (but not a loan) ... though Di Marzio has just been called out by Karim Benzema in no uncertain terms for a false transfer rumor, so perhaps we'll have to take his latest missives, especially regarding non-Italian rumors, with just a bit more skepticism than usual.

Chelsea spent £18m on Giroud in January and another £120,000 each week since, so he's by no means a cheap option. He has one more year left on his contract; the club's insistence on a permanent deal thus makes sense.

However, he can still play a part in the team, especially as he offers a skillset that no other striker in the team has, as well as the experience of being a leader on and off the pitch. He’s also quickly become a fan favorite, so hopefully he does indeed stick around for next season as well.