Olivier Giroud offered chance to end Chelsea hell as Lazio hand striker pre-contract to join on free transfer in summer
LAZIO have offered Chelsea outcast Olivier Giroud a summer escape route as they plot to sign the Frenchman on a free contract, according to reports.
The veteran forward is certain to leave Stamford Bridge having made just two league starts all season.
Boss Frank Lampard was willing to let him leave in January but their failure to sign a replacement saw a deal collapse.
With his contract expiring in the summer, Le 10 Sport claim that Serie A title-chasers Lazio have already offered him a deal to join at the end of the season.
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Giroud has been free to speak to foreign clubs since the turn of the year and won't be short of options once his current deal expires.
The 33-year-old has a wealth of experience having won seven pieces of major silverware during his illustrious career.
It is believed he still favours a move to Serie A despite his dream move to Inter Milan falling through.
After missing out on the switch, Giroud insisted he was ready to fight for his Chelsea place and earn a spot in the France side at Euro 2020.
He said: "I am a Chelsea player and now need to move on and look forward.
"I want to give everything for the team and my personal target is to play as much as I can so I can play in the Euros with my country. That is massive for me, things like that.
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“But now I am 100 per cent focused for Chelsea and their targets and I want to keep fighting and get back on the score sheet.
“Every single game is a big opportunity for me to show my desire to come back.”
Giroud came off the bench for just the fourth time in the league in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United on Monday and saw a goal chalked off through VAR for offside.