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Giroud agrees terms with Inter as Chelsea exit edges closer

Olivier Giroud is seemingly edging closer to leaving Chelsea after the forward agreed terms with Inter Milan.

The Italian giants have held talks with Giroud’s representatives over a switch to the San Siro, the veteran having entered the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and keen to leave this winter.

The France international has informed the club of his desire to leave during the January transfer window in search of first-team opportunities, the forward having been marginalised under Frank Lampard and keen to secure his place in the national squad ahead of next summer’s European Championships.

According to Sky Sports, Giroud has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to move to the Serie A leaders, where he will be reunited with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte who brought the striker to the West London club from Arsenal in January 2018.

A fee for Giroud remains a sticking point for any potential deal, the Blues holding out for a fee in the region of €8m for a player who has made just two Premier League starts so far this season.

Giroud’s opportunities have been limited since Lampard’s arrival as manager last summer, with Tammy Abraham having established himself as the club’s first-choice forward since returning from a loan spell at Aston Villa.

Several other clubs remain interested in the 33-year-old including Lyon and Aston Villa, though the Frenchman’s preference is to join Inter, with the player said to be hopeful that a deal can be concluded this month.

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