KEY POINTS

  • Giroud is unlikely to return for Chelsea after this season
  • Inter Milan is looming as Giroud's next stop
  • Lampard's game plan is making life difficult for Giroud

Olivier Giroud is struggling for playing time with Chelsea FC, and the frustrations are unsurprisingly showing.

Having fallen down the pecking order of Frank Lampard, it appears the French national is now considering a move out of Stamford Bridge.

His plight with the Blues has been understandably frustrating. Hopes of possibly getting more playing time may have been further dashed with Lampard emphasizing younger players. That includes recruit Timo Werner and the Blues commitment to helping Tammy Abraham’s evolution.

For now, all Giroud can do is stay the course and work hard at the Cobham training ground. But the story could be different by the next transfer window if things do not look up for the 34-year-old footballer.

Despite the looming turmoil tied to Giroud, Lampard is unsurprisingly treating it as neutral as he can.

He spoke highly of the French player, lauding his professionalism. But at the end of the day, seeing action on the field is something he will need to address, Tuttosport reported.

"I have difficult questions to answer and selections in the team. I have great professionals and Oli is absolutely showing that," Lampard stated.

The contract of Giroud is set to expire at the end of this season. The Blues took up the option for the French player last April.

Judging by how things are going, a potential exit by Giroud looms. And if that happens, Inter Milan has been singled out as one team likely to rekindle interest.

Giroud could be a player on the move by the January transfer window, Corriere Dello Sport reported via Sempre Inter.

Antonio Conte is expected to make a push for the 34-year-old player. However, Giroud may not be the only one on Conte’s list with other names such as Arek Milik, Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri are said to be targeted as well, Footbal Italia reported.

It will be recalled that Inter tried to sign Giroud earlier this year. They needed alternatives for Romelu Lukaku and Lautario Martinez.

Inter was willing to offer a three-year deal to sign Giroud on a free-transfer before the Blues picked up the option to extend the French player’s contract for another year.

Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the lead in Istanbul -- the Frenchman had also scored the opener in May's Europa League final against Arsenal
Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the lead in Istanbul -- the Frenchman had also scored the opener in May's Europa League final against Arsenal AFP / OZAN KOSE