ANTONIO CONTE is pushing “full steam ahead” to force through a reunion with forward Olivier Giroud, according to reports in Italy.
The Italian manager brought Giroud over to Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal in January 2018, and elevated the Frenchman to the Blues No1 striker, over Alvaro Morata at the time.
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte is said to be pushing to sign Olivier Giroud from ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press
But under Maurizio Sarri and new boss Frank Lampard, the 33-year-old has been less active in the starting XI.
Tammy Abraham has led the line for Lampard this season, with Michy Batshuayi acting as understudy off the bench.
Giroud has started just twice this campaign, once in the Super Cup and the other in the Premier League and played a total of 120 minutes in the top-flight.
According to Gazzetta, Inter Milan manager Conte is going all out to capitalise on Giroud’s lack of playing time.
It is claimed the San Siro boss plans to make a winter swoop for the France striker.
Conte wants Giroud to act as competition for ex-Chelsea and Manchester United powerhouse Romelu Lukaku, who arrived in Serie A for £73million this summer.
A sticking point for Inter, though, is the contract offered to the Blues striker.
The Italian giants are willing to offer Giroud an 18-month deal.
But the Premier League veteran wants a contract that guarantees football until 2022.
A return to Ligue 1 has also emerged as an option for the former Montpellier man, as Lyon are said to be keeping tabs on Giroud.
SunSport revealed Crystal Palace are also shock contenders in the race for the 33-year-old, but face further competition from MLS sides in New York and LA.
Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud wanted by Crystal Palace in transfer window with striker frustrated over lack of action
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
