Giroud says he won’t stay at Chelsea out of pity after transfer ban as he eyes Lyon move
The Blues will have to make do with their current squad for two transfer windows but that isn't Giroud's problem, according to the France forward
CHELSEA are making plans to survive two transfer windows without signing any players and they may have to factor in Olivier Giroud's exit too, after some honest comments by the striker.
The former Arsenal forward has just gone joint-third in the all-time scoring list for the French national team and yet remains on club boss Maurizio Sarri's bench.
A transfer back to Ligue 1 - where he won the title with Montpellier in 2012 - is said to be on the cards with Lyon among the teams sniffing around.
And Giroud has stated that Chelsea's predicament won't factor into his decision making come the summer.
“We will see what the future has in store for me," he told TF1 when asked if the embargo will help convince him to stay.
"The club can’t sign players.
"I aspire for more playing time and an important role in a team."
In Chelsea's hands
Giroud's contract expires at the end of the season but Chelsea hold the option to automatically extend the forward's deal by another 12 months.
However he has appeared just six times as a starter in the Premier League under Sarri, forcing him to focus on making the most of his Europa League outings.
With nine goals in nine games in that competition, Giroud has earned the plaudits of his international boss Didier Deschamps.
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"He'd like to play more and when he plays in the Europa League, he also scores goals. In a match like tonight's, against a low-ranked opponent, his presence as a pivot is very useful.
"He's quite complementary with the other players because of his role that is different and this allows our team to have a varied offensive play."
The 32-year-old remains a key part of the France setup and started in Friday's 4-1 win over Moldova, netting his 34th international goal to go level with David Trezeguet.