Chelsea have opened talks with Olivier Giroud’s representatives over a new contract after the France striker nearly left the club in January.
The 33-year-old was resurgent before the Premier League stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak, after in the past falling out of favour underneath Frank Lampard beforehand of the winter transfer window.
Inter had been the closest team to signing Giroud in January however Chelsea failed to find any attacking replacements to join in the window, leading to them keeping the France international.
Still, Inter had verbally agreed on a deal with Giroud and he will possibly get comparable terms if he re-joins his old manager Antonio Conte, with a two-and-a-half-year contract having already been discussed.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are only in all likelihood to provide a one-year deal due to their policy of short-term contracts for over-30 players, however they have lately broken their policy in certain circumstances.
Giroud, whose contract is set to expire in June, has already stated he wishes to remain at Chelsea and additionally stated that he had interest from Tottenham and Lazio in January.
“Yes, of course,” Giroud replied when asked last month if he desired to continue to be with Chelsea. “There are a few weeks [to go in the season], games to win and perhaps another trophy.
“And after I think I have two, three nice seasons in the front of me. It’s no longer the time to talk about contracts. But one more time I will take a decision when it comes.
“It’s behind me. It was a difficult month for me. I just spoke with the manager and I believed what he said, that I would get my chance and he has given me my chance.
“I have tried to give his confidence back on the pitch. I do my job the best that I can and I’m very joyful to be back in the team. Of course, my confidence is better.
“The transfer window is behind me. I’m a Chelsea player, I’m happy right here once more and that’s the most vital thing.”
Giroud’s contract, like almost all top-level footballers, runs till June 30, which usually offers teams time to complete the season before negotiating new deals.
However, the current Covid-19 state of affairs has led to FIFA giving guidance to the various European leagues this week on players with expiring contracts.
“Contracts be extended till such time that the season does actually end,” a assertion read. “This should be in line with the original intention of the parties when the contract was signed and should additionally preserve sporting integrity and stability.”
According to the guidance, Chelsea will have to wait until all domestic fixtures are done in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands before Hakim Ziyech, their €40 million (£37m/$43m) signing from Ajax, can arrive.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are ready for the situation to unfold before figuring out whether or not to furlough non-playing staff after announcing a report turnover of £446.7m ($553m) at the turn of the year.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been current in meetings on behalf of Chelsea’s squad with talks ongoing between the a variety of parties to protect the soccer businesses in a challenging time.
Tottenham and Liverpool announced they would use the government’s furlough scheme, with the latter having since done a U-turn amid criticism. Newcastle, Bournemouth and Norwich will additionally use the public funding to support some of their staff.
Chelsea announced a loss of £96.6m ($119.6m) in the year ending 30 June 2019 due to costs relating to Antonio Conte’s sacking, transfer business and not being in the Champions League.
So far, Chelsea have offered their car park and accommodations on-site at Stamford Bridge for National Health Service (NHS) staff. The squad have given a sizable donation to the Chelsea Foundation which is helping children, the aged and the vulnerable through online work with social distancing in effect in the UK.
The latest announcement from the club was their partnership with domestic abuse charity Refuge, which is looking forward to to see a upward shove in cases with people being pressured to stay in their homes.
This is on top of work done with Chelsea’s charity partner Plan International, who are assisting provide food, essential hygiene kits, access to clean water, vital public health information, as well as learning materials and help to keep kids safe.
Chelsea’s players continue to train from home with Willian having travelled to Brazil to be with his family.
