World Cup-winning striker Olivier Giroud can sleep a bit easier now after getting some much-needed job security. According to transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have exercised a one-year club option to keep the Frenchman.
Chelsea Exercise Option to Keep Olivier Giroud
The Option No One Knew About
At the end of last season, Giroud found himself in the same spot. Then he signed a one year deal before his contract expired. At the time, the Blues had a one year transfer ban looming over their heads. Plus, then-manager Maurizio Sarri appeared destined to leave the club after just one season thanks to a horribly fractious relationship with fans.
Giroud had to have known he was only a one-year stop-gap to provide veteran experience. Yet, 12 months later, he was in the same position. Until now, that is.
Giroud’s current contract was set to expire at the end of June this year. And with the coronavirus stoppage not ending any time soon, his future remained unclear. Out of contract and past his prime, Inter Milan seemed the only seriously interested party.
But with Chelsea exercising a one-year club option, the two have re-upped to do it again. Except, no one knew about this possibility.
Just a few short weeks ago, Chelsea entered talks of a new deal with Giroud. Never once, though, did anyone mention this club option or even discuss it. They just went straight to new contract talks without even broaching the subject of exercising the club option. But somehow now, the club reportedly exercised it. Quite odd.
Giroud’s Reluctantly Accepted Role
The coronavirus has thrown a gigantic monkey wrench into the entire football world, especially the transfer market. So for Chelsea, it makes sense to lock up Giroud for a season if they cannot purchase anyone at reasonable prices with a suppressed budget. The former Arsenal striker, though, will have to accept a bit-part role behind academy graduate Tammy Abraham for a second straight year at Stamford Bridge.
That has to come as a huge disappointment to the Frenchman. In January, he reached an agreement to join Inter, however, Chelsea blocked the deal as they couldn’t find a suitable replacement for him. And now, Giroud will have to reluctantly remain in the same role for another year on top of the current six months of frustration.
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