CHELSEA are reportedly set to allow Olivier Giroud to leave the club in January after the Frenchman fell down the pecking order.
The striker, who nearly left the club at the beginning of 2020, has yet to start a Premier League game for Frank Lampard this season.
Giroud scored two goals in France’s 4-2 win over Sweden last week, bringing his tally to 44 internationals goals.
But he was back on bench at Newcastle on Saturday and was only given a brief run-out in the 87th minute in a 2-0 win.
Speaking after the match, Giroud shared his frustrations at his current situation and admitted he may have to leave to rescue his Euro 2020 dream.
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SunSport have since reported that Chelsea look set to grant the 34-year-old his wish regardless of signing any replacement.
But where could he end up? SunSport takes a look…
INTER MILAN
A reunion with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in Italy could be the most appealing option for Giroud.
It was the Inter Milan manager who signed the France ace from Arsenal in January 2018 before he was sacked six months later.
But SunSport recently revealed Conte is set to return for Giroud again as he looks to add support for main striker Romelu Lukaku.
INTER MIAMI
SunSport previously revealed that Giroud is a January transfer target for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
And should he make the move, he could be partnered by former Chelsea team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.
Giroud himself admitted he was keen on a move to the MLS before he hangs up his boots.
He told RMC back in 2019: “MLS, for my family, my kids who speak English… it’s interesting.
“In a year? In two years? I don’t know when. But of course after that I’ll be open to a final challenge.”
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
A return to France could also be on the cards for Giroud following his success at Montpellier before his 2012 move to Arsenal.
Lyon failed in a move for the 34-year-old in January while Paris Saint-Germain have since been made the bookies favourite to complete a move.
AS claimed that PSG are eyeing Giroud as a replacement for Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.
And speaking to RTL, the World Cup winner indicated he could be open to a return to domestic French football.
Giroud said: “I’m not afraid to go down a level to have more playing time. It could be I end my career in France.”
WEST HAM
The Hammers recently emerged as shock favourites to sign Giroud in January on a short-term deal.
David Moyes is desperate for extra firepower following Sebastien Haller’s struggles since his £45 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt last year.
Giroud is thought to be settled in London and his agent admitted last week that playing for a third Premier League club is not out of the question.
Michael Manuello told Foot Mercato: “A new English club with ambitions could also give him some thinking to do because the big difference with the Premier League, is that it remains an extraordinary league, which offers a different form of pleasure.
“So if a really good Premier League club came knocking, that could be a major factor.”
TOTTENHAM
A less likely option is for Jose Mourinho to revive his interest in Giroud having failed with a move for the veteran striker earlier this year.
The ex-Chelsea boss targeted the current Stamford Bridge star to provide back-up to Harry Kane at Spurs.
And despite his ties to Arsenal, Giroud admitted he was close to returning to north London to feature for their arch-rivals.
Speaking to So Foot, he revealed: “During the last three days of the transfer window, I was in the coach’s office to find a solution.
“I was hoping Chelsea would find a replacement for me.
“For my part, it was not the solutions that were lacking. I almost signed for Lazio, Inter.
“I was even so determined to leave that I even almost signed for Tottenham.”
Yet it remains to be seen whether Spurs will reignite their bid to land Giroud following the arrival of Carlos Vinicius.
