Giroud may be headed for Inter loan move

Cape Town - Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud could join Serie A outfit Inter Milan on loan in January, according to reports surfacing in Italy.

The Frenchman's struggles to force his way into the Chelsea side this season have been well documented, and he is known to be seriously considering his future at Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old has spoken openly about his need to be playing regular first-team football, while France coach Didier Deschamps has also said the same during this recent international break.

The European Championships are fast approaching and are possibly Giroud's last opportunity to play at a major tournament for the World Cup winners. To guarantee his place, he needs to be playing.

Giroud continues to impress for the national side and has fired home three goals in the last four appearances, but he cannot get a sniff at Chelsea and has not even made the bench for the last three games.

The former Arsenal man will be out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to leave for free, but there is a chance he could have moved on before then.

Blues boss Frank Lampard sees him as a valuable squad member and would only sanction a move if the transfer ban is lifted in January and he can bring in a replacement. If not, then there is every chance he will block a move.

Giroud could still have a big role to play as Chelsea push for the top four and silverware, but for now he is unhappy to be on the bench.

Inter are now reported to have entered the running as they could need a replacement for Manchester United loanee Alexis Sanchez, who has picked up a serious ankle injury and could be on the sidelines for months.

It means the Nerazzurri could need more firepower and former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, now at the San Siro, has identified Giroud as a target.

- TeamTalk Media