The collapse of the Matteo Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola deal has delayed Inter’s attempts to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, according to a report from today’s paper edition of the Rome based newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

The report details how the Nerazzurri reached an agreement with Chelsea for the 33-year-old Frenchman’s signature. Inter offered the Blues €4 million plus €1 million in bonuses in compensation for the player, whose contract expires with the South London club in June.

The situation with Roma regarding the exchange between Politano and Spinazzola caused the negotiations with Chelsea to slow down.

Inter are still looking to finalise the deal for Giroud, the report continues, and will work hard over the next few days to fully complete everything and secure the Frenchman’s signature.

Giroud wasn’t even on the bench for yesterday’s league clash against Newcastle, suggesting he is close to leaving the club this month.

The idea of Spanish forward Fernando Llorente could return, the report adds, but the loan exchange with Napoli for the Spaniard is currently hampered by the fact that Politano is still dreaming of a move to Roma.