Blues Reveal Preference For Olivier Giroud Deal

CHARLES PERRIN

Atletico Madrid are exploring the option of taking Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud on loan, according to reports.

Although Giroud only joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January, he could be free to leave the club after just six months. The Blues have set their sights on signing Gonzalo Higuain, whose future at Juventus has come under threat following the £88million signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Maurizio Sarri is hoping to beef up his attack with a deal for Higuain and Chelsea have already reportedly made a £53m bid for him. As far as Giroud is concerned, Atletico, Sky Sports claim, have enquired about a potential loan move for the Frenchman. But the Blues’ preference is to strike a permanent deal with the Spanish club.

Atletico’s main target is AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic, but supposedly he is waiting for the San Siro outfit to make a decision on his future before he can be allowed to leave.

Giroud won the World Cup with France last week and his former club Arsenal tweeted him a classy message.

It read: “From Grenoble to Istres. From Tours to Montpellier.

“From Arsenal to a regular for #FRA.

“And now… a #WorldCup winner!

“What a journey you’ve had, Olivier – we’re all so pleased for you.”