Chelsea star ‘back on the radar’ for Serie A side as €8m price tag touted
Lazio have revived their interest in Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, according to reports in Italy.
Giroud came close to leaving Stamford Bridge in January over concerns about his playing time. Lazio were one of the main contenders for his signature.
However, Giroud ended up staying with Chelsea – and he sent a reminder of what he could do by scoring seven goals and adding one assists after the re-start in June.
Even before then, Giroud was staking a claim for more first team chances. In fact, he signed a one-year contract extension in May.
Despite that, Chelsea have already agreed a deal to sign Timo Werner. That means there will be greater competition for places in Giroud’s role next season.
Therefore, the Frenchman could still be on his way out. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Giroud is now “back on the radar” for Lazio.
The report reminds that Giroud was “one step away” from moving to the Italian capital in the winter. However, Chelsea only stood in their way due to a lack of alternatives in his position – a problem they have now solved by signing Werner.
Hence, Chelsea could sell Giroud this summer for a fee between €7m and €8m. That has put Lazio on alert, with the Serie A side resuming talks with his agent.
La Lazio Siamo Noi say these are “hectic hours” in Lazio’s battle to convince Giroud to move to Italy. Indeed, they are angry at missing out on David Silva, so are targeting another high-profile addition.
Lazio are also considering a move for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. However, the website does not know if that would be as an alternative to Giroud, or complementary.
Rodriguez has himself been linked with a move to the Premier League. In fact, the Colombian has said that a move to either Italy or England would be appealing.
CHELSEA HAVE HAVERTZ BID REJECTED
Chelsea are also in the market for further new signings of their own. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz is a major target for their midfield, but they face a race against time to sign him.
The Bundesliga club want his future sorted out before they start pre-season. However, they are refusing to let him leave for cheap.
And so far, Chelsea have been unable to meet their asking price – leading to potential tension between Frank Lampard and his superiors.
