AC Milan are close to reaching an agreement to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud this summer.
Giroud had been expected to join the Italian side in a free transfer when his contract expired this month, only for the Blues to trigger a secret one-year option in their deal to keep Giroud until 2022.
Despite this extension, the probability has always been that Giroud will leave Chelsea this summer, but the Blues can now demand a fee for the Frenchman instead of letting him go for nothing.
Milan have been working on a deal for a while now, and according to Matteo Moretto, a move to the San Siro is now incredibly close for Giroud, who is keen to join a team that will offer him regular first-team football next season.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the talks are going well between the two teams in order to agree on a permanent transfer.
Giroud is ready to leave Chelsea / Daniel Mihailescu – Pool / Getty Images
The biggest problem, however, is Milan’s unwillingness to pay for Giroud. They had wanted him on a free transfer and still want to make it a reality, but Chelsea are understandably hesitant to simply give Giroud a move without getting anything in return.
Per Corriere dello Sport, this can actually see the move break down. Milan have told Giroud that they will not pay for his services and will instead ask the 34-year-old to put pressure on Chelsea to let him go for free.
Milan want an agreement in the coming days in the hope that Giroud will be available in mid-July, and it is suggested that they have met Giroud with an ultimatum. If he can not convince Chelsea to let him go for free soon, they will not sign him.
Milan want Giroud to force an exit / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic has been identified as the preferred option and Milan will try to get the server loaned as part of their talks on Brahim Diaz’s future if needed.
Chelsea’s refusal to do business over Giroud could have an impact later in the window, and Milan are also believed to be keen on beating business for both Tiemoue Bakayoko and Hakim Ziyech.
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