Inter Milan and Lazio have not given up on signing Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud and will return for him when he is a free agent this summer.
The French striker proved to be one of the main talking points of the January transfer window, with several clubs all vying for his signature.
At one point it seemed a move to Inter Milan was all but certain, but the Italians decided to hold back on a deal.
By deadline day Giroud was still at Chelsea, who ultimately decided to block his exit as their attempts to find a replacement failed.
It left Giroud waiting until the summer for his move, with him set to become a free agent when his deal with Chelsea comes to an end.
Like in January, Inter Milan and Lazio will be ready with offers for him according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The newspaper reports that both clubs remain keen on Giroud and are still dealing with him ahead of a move in the summer.
A free transfer is a ‘solution that interests’ Inter, as they would manage to secure a high profile striker that is ‘much appreciated’ by Antonio Conte.
They had already reached an agreement with Giroud in early January on a contract until 2022 and are ready to offer that again, and perhaps throw in an option until 2023.
Lazio are also trying to lure the Frenchman after deciding to move for the striker yesterday morning.
Sports director Igli Tare flew to London and held a summit with Michael Manuello, Giroud’s agent. They also agreed on a deal until 2022 but had to convince Chelsea.
Ultimately that never happened but Tare extended his stay in London, returning to Italy in the evening to ‘lay the foundations’ for an agreement with Giroud when he becomes a free agent in June.
They are willing to offer the striker €3m per year, presumably until 2022, and rival Inter for his signature once again.
