Chelsea star Olivier Giroud closing in on AC Milan free transfer and striker dreams of playing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

AC MILAN are on the verge of snapping up free agent Olivier Giroud, according to reports in Italy.

The Chelsea striker was set to leave West London last summer before hitting form and earning a new deal.

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This season, he has largely been restricted to the bench aside from a seven-goal December and last started a game for Thomas Tuchel in March.

With his contract up at the end of the month, Giroud is free to negotiate a free transfer away from Chelsea with several clubs reportedly interested.

But Serie A side Milan have won the race, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Negotiations with Rossoneri legend and technical director Paolo Maldini are described as going well and an agreement is within sight.

The opportunity to remain in the Champions League while experiencing Italian football is said to be high on Giroud’s wishlist.

Also useful is a significant tax cut which the Frenchman will receive on his rumoured two-year, £65,000-a-week contract.

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Giroud is said to be excited by the prospect of playing alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who enjoyed a stunning start to last season before encountering injury problems.

The Swede helped formulate an early Serie A title push before the team fell behind rivals Inter Milan to come second – their highest finish in nine years.

Milan are also seeking a deal with Chelsea for loanee Fikayo Tomori.

The defender is available for £25million following an impressive stint at the San Siro.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk