OLIVIER GIROUD is in Italy to seal his £2million move to AC Milan from Chelsea.
The Frenchman, 34, was pictured arriving in the fashion capital of the world on Thursday wearing a Milan-branded face mask.
And having already agreed personal terms on a two-year contract, Giroud’s transfer is expected to be confirmed on Friday.
Chelsea gave permission for Giroud to fly to Italy after accepting a £2m offer from Stefano Pioli’s side.
The Blues triggered an automatic year-long extension in Giroud’s contract earlier this year to prevent him from joining Milan on a free transfer.
But with all parties still eager to do business, Chelsea have got a nominal fee and Giroud will now be lining up in Milan’s famous red-and-black kit.
It remains to be seen how the World Cup winner fits into Pioli’s starting XI, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic already at the club.
However, it appears that both could play in the same team after Milan legend and technical director Paolo Maldini branded Giroud a ‘champion’.
He told DAZN yesterday: “Giroud should arrive tomorrow. Olivier is a champion and a fresh winner of the Champions League.
“He is a very reliable player, what we were looking for since we need experienced players like him.
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“We are the youngest team in Serie A. A young striker could also arrive.
“The idea is to lay the foundations for the team and then perhaps wait for the final phase of the transfer market.”
Giroud becomes the SECOND Chelsea star to join Milan this summer after Fikayo Tomori made his loan move permanent for £25m.
Meanwhile, the Blues are also set to part ways with another centre-back in Marc Guehi.
The former Swansea loanee is joining Crystal Palace, with Chelsea retaining a sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
