Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, was in London on Thursday, continuing his work trying to sign French striker Olivier Giroud from Chelsea, according to a report from today’s paper edition of the Turin based newspaper Tuttosport.
The report details how Ausilio watched England’s 7-0 win over Montenegro, but rather than focusing on the game, was instead talking to and meeting contacts present at Wembley. Whilst Inter are following two players from Tottenham whose contracts expire next summer, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen, the main focus was on Giroud.
The 33-year-old French striker’s contract expires with the London side next summer but Inter would rather attempt to sign him in January in order to strengthen the club’s attack, rather than wait for a free transfer six months later, the report continues.
Giroud is keen for regular playing time in order to remain a part of France’s squad for next summer’s European Championships, and may welcome the move to the Nerazzurri, the report adds. Inter would offer the Frenchman an 18-month contract but would like to see him drop his €8 million salary demands.
There is also another issue, the report highlights. Due to Chelsea’s current transfer ban, they may not wish to lose Giroud as they’d be unable to sign a replacement for the player, removing a potentially important option if in-form striker Tammy Abraham suffers an injury. Furthermore, the Blues may ask for at least €7-8 million for the 33-year-old, an idea that the Nerazzurri aren’t keen on considering his age and expiring contract.
