Chelsea trigger Giroud contract extension putting striker and Sarri on collision course over lack of game time
French striker hinted he was going to leave Stamford Bridge after lack of Premier League action
MAURIZIO SARRI says Olivier Giroud will stay at Chelsea next season - putting the Blues boss and the French ace on a collision course.
The striker recently claimed he had offers to leave and was considering his future after failing to nail down a place in the starting XI.
But Chelsea have an option to trigger a year-long extension clause in his contract.
And Sarri is adamant the Blues will exercise their right to keep the Frenchman at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri said: “He is sure (to stay) because the club has an option for another year, another season.
“I spoke to the club two days ago and we agreed to exercise the option.
“So, he will remain.”
Giroud has scored 12 goals in all competitions this term, with ten of those coming in the Europa League.
However, he has yet to fully win over Sarri, with Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain both preferred in the Premier League.
But opportunities could appear next term with Chelsea yet to overturn their transfer ban.
While Higuain is unlikely to stay on even if the Blues are able to sign him.
But Giroud could kick up a fuss if he still finds himself on the bench, saying before yesterday’s win over Slavia Prague: “When the boss gives me a chance to bring something else to the team, I try to give my best and I am fully committed.
“I have been efficient. It has worked up until now so hopefully I will get some more goals to get us to the final.
“Trust me, I am very frustrated when I am not on the pitch but I don’t want to show it.
“I am not happy to play second choice so that’s why I have said next year I will need to have a more important role.
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“I don’t know whether it will be here. I have no clue about that. I have to meet Marina (Granovskaia), but obviously I’m happy to be here.
“The thing is I just want to enjoy it. It’s not because I’m 32 and have won the World Cup, because I don’t want to retire.
“I want to be the first choice. They must talk to me before the end of the season.”