Chelsea has activated the option to extend Olivier Giroud's contract. On Wednesday, the London club confirmed that the striker had penned the deal which will see him stay at Stamford Bridge for another year.
Having left Arsenal in 2018 to establish himself as the lead-striker at Chelsea, Giroud has been unable to cement his place in the starting lineup. Frank Lampard's decision to play Tammy Abraham as his preferred target man has also seen the French striker enjoying multiple spells on the substitute bench. This season, the World Cup winner has featured in nine out of 29 Premier League matches, starting in just five.
Earlier in the January transfer window, reports suggested that Antonio Conte was keen on recruiting Giroud for Inter Milan. With the move failing to materialize, it was speculated that the Frenchman would potentially join the Nerazzurri this summer.
Nevertheless, a transfer away now looks in doubt with the player penning an extension on Wednesday. An excerpt of the statement issued by Chelsea read as follows: "An option to extend the striker's contract by a year was taken last month, ensuring his two-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge which was due to end at the conclusion of the current campaign will continue."
Relatively, Giroud expressed excitement over committing his short-term future to the London outfit. 'I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea," he declared.
"I can't wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates. I'm looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."
Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero has also extended his contract by a year. The 38-year-old Argentine had been set to leave Stamford Bridge when his previous deal expired in June but is now committed to the Premier League club until the end of next season.
