Inter are set to face a strong challenge from French side Lyon for the signature of unhappy Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, according to a report from Italian media outlet FcInterNews today.
The report details how the French club are looking to reinforce their squad in January and the 33-year-old Frenchman would be a starter in the Ligue 1 club, an attractive prospect considering his desire to be a part of the France squad in next summer’s European Championships. Lyon have offered a 30-month contract to Giroud worth €12 million – €4 million for the period between January to June and then a 2-year contract worth €4 million net per season.
Chelsea, however, have still not given their consent for the deal, the report continues. The South London club want at least €7-8 million for the player, hoping to earn a little before his contract expires with the club next June.
Lyon’s offer has put the Nerazzurri in a tough position, the report highlights. Antonio Conte has been asking for Giroud since October, but the club still need to sell or send away Italian forward Matteo Politano before a deal could be considered. The Milanese club would prefer to sign Giroud on an 18-month contract instead of a 30-month contract, although they’d be happy to pay the same figures as Lyon.
Finally, the report suggests that the rumours that Juventus are also looking to sign Giroud are only rumours, with no true basis behind them. Instead the Bianconeri’s sporting director Fabio Paratici is just looking to raise the price of any of the Nerazzurri’s market targets.
