According to Milan News, Chelsea were worried that Tottenham Hotspur would sign Olivier Giroud this summer, hence their decision to extend his contract.
Chelsea confirmed on Friday that they have activated a one-year option on Giroud’s £110,000-a-week contract to keep him until 2022.
Many expected Giroud to go, and that may still happen – but Chelsea have effectively blocked him from joining Tottenham.
Chelsea’s fear over Giroud to Tottenham
It’s claimed that Giroud was ‘tempting’ a number of Premier League clubs, with Tottenham leading the race for his signature.
West Ham were also strongly linked last month as they pursue a striker signing this summer.
Chelsea didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival, and through concern that Giroud would end up in North London, they activated the clause.
Giroud could still be sold to AC Milan this summer, but Chelsea certainly won’t sell to Tottenham.
Would Giroud to Tottenham have made sense?
Maybe a little controversial given his ties to both Arsenal and Chelsea, but yes, Giroud could have been a fine option for Tottenham.
Carlos Vinicius won’t be returning after his loan spell from Benfica, and Giroud is a physical target man with Premier League know-how.
Sure, he’s 34 now and only started eight league games this past season, but Giroud could have given Tottenham another goal threat to go alongside Harry Kane.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
