Premier League Rumors: Giroud Surprisingly Retracts, Agrees To Short-Term Deal

It appears Olivier Giroud is staying at Stamford Bridge after all by at least a year. Despite the growing belief that the 33-year-old forward would be moving out, the French football player has agreed to a one-year deal despite reports surfacing that he wanted a longer lease.

There were several teams interested in taking in Giroud had he failed to come to terms with the Blues. Among the teams allegedly in pursuit included Tottenham and Inter Milan. But it appears Chelsea FC was left with no alternative with their targets slowly slimming. Regardless, it appears the French forward is happily playing on for the Blues until next season according to the team's official website.

"I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea," Giroud said. "I'm looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."

Giroud won his place back following the injury to Tammy Abraham. He has been playing well the past games for Chelsea before play was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since he was acquired in 2018, Giroud has scored seven goals in 49 starts for the Blues. One of those goals was the last one for Chelsea, a 4-0 win over Everton last Mar. 8, BBC reported.

There were several names linked to the Blues as Lampard prepared for the possible departure of key players. Aside from Giroud, there is also Willian who was similarly looking for a long-term deal. Among the names that Chelsea was allegedly targeting include Alassane Plea and Raul Jimenez. But getting them also means shelling out big money. Though their transfer fees were reasonable, the Blues are trying to clamp down on spending like most teams. This is the expected aftermath due to games not being played thanks to COVID-19.

For Giroud, it could be a wise decision on his part. With teams wary of spending big, the 33-year-old was unlikely to get a long-term deal at the price he wants. There is no telling if Willian would be given or agree to the same. Right now, sticking with their current teams for at least a year looms as the most sensible move until things return to normal.