Olivier Giroud: Contract extension agreed on – New date, same player, same ending

To be surprised about the Olivier Giroud news would be a surprise in itself. Same player, alike Chelsea, different season, another contract dispute, yet the identical outcome of a year extension.

It appears of the two London clubs where Giroud has taken up his trade, the latter club is showing him the love and appreciation he’s constantly wanted and needed. The French hitman who we must not forget is a World Cup winner after not registering a single shot on target in his 546 minutes played, will stay on at Stamford Bridge till the end of next season, 2020-2021.

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"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.Prior to the pause in the season due to the pandemic, Giroud had again emphasised his importance to the squad by taking on the responsibility of leading the attack with Tammy Abraham injured, and making a significant contribution, not least when he expertly found the net to open the scoring in a win against Tottenham in February, and helped to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup the following month. (Via: chelseafc.com)"

The forward’s time in England has always been undecided, with the most recent transfer windows pointing towards a Premier League exit in favour of an Italian switch to Inter Milan. Nothing materialised after Frank Lampard begged him to stay. The fear of having no striker was a major concern, therefore forcing them to act swiftly.

The funny thing about all of this, there were two occasions where all outlets reported the Frenchman had agreed on a deal to join up with old Blues’ boss, Antonio Conte. Move on a couple of breaks from football, predetermined and forced, and the player is set to stay another season rather than follow initial reports.

This shows the club values him as a player, an experienced World Cup winner, FA Cup winner, and Europa League winner. There is no limit to the guidance he can transfer over to Tammy Abrahams and other young bloods who walk through the doors in London. The business is smart by Lampard and the Chelsea board.

Giroud transfer saga far from settled

Don’t get too excited about the news. The usual transfer window narrative… Here today and gone tomorrow and, contract extension this month then sold the next month. All this means now is that Antonio Conte would have to cough up cash if he still wanted to prize Giroud away from Chelsea.

The Blues can recuperate some funds they need to tackle other targets with. That, or they have a backup number 9 with an eye for goal and years of Top Flight experience.