There is still some distance between Inter and French striker Olivier Giroud but the player seems likely to join the Nerazzurri in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a report from Italian media outlet FcInterNews today.
The report details how the 33-year-old French forward, whose contract expires with Chelsea at the end of this season, was close to joining the Milanese club in the January transfer window, despite interest from other clubs. Lazio and French side Lyon both attempted to sign the 2018 World Cup finalist, but he only wanted to join Inter.
Lazio are still keen on Giroud but Inter have an advantage, the report continues. The Biancocelesti can only guarantee Giroud a contract worth €3.5 million net per season, €1.5 million lower than his requested fee. The Nerazzurri, on the other hand, can afford the cost, especially if Napoli striker Dries Mertens decides to renew his contract with the Partenopei. The only issue is that Giroud wants a multiple year deal, whereas Inter would prefer to offer an annual contract with an option for a second year, due to his older age.
