Chelsea to extend Giroud’s contract ‘this week’ — report

According to Téléfoot in France, Chelsea decided that triggering the club option for a one-year extension on Olivier Giroud’s contract is the best course of action moving forward for the club. While this isn’t new information, Téléfoot claim this will happen “this week”, ahead of next Wednesday’s Europa League final, which Giroud is expected to start.

With the transfer ban remaining in place, Chelsea’s decision to keep Giroud is certainly understandable. Chelsea already did something similiar with David Luiz, who played a key role for Maurizio Sarri. Giroud was not as involved, but he has been one of the most impactful players in our Europa League campaign with 10 goals and 3 assists in 13 matches thus far in the competition.

Giroud had plenty of interest in him, mostly from France, and he has been clear throughout the last few months that he wants more regular playing time. Perhaps next season, with no Álvaro Morata nor (hopefully) Gonzalo Higuaín in his way, he can — and may even have to! — show his qualities a bit more often while providing veteran guidance for younger players, including Tammy Abraham who surely would stay with the club in this scenario.