Chelsea manager Frank Lampard represents an obstacle in Inter’s bid to sign Olivier Giroud according to a report in today’s print edition of Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Inter tried to sign Giroud last January as did fellow Serie A club Lazio but neither club were able to agree a deal for the Frenchman. Chelsea proceeded to trigger an option to extend his contract until the end of this season and ahead of the upcoming January transfer window Inter have once again shown an interest in Giroud.

Giroud has struggled for game time this season and despite scoring all four of Chelsea’s goals in their UEFA Champions League win over Sevilla in mid-week, it is difficult to imagine Giroud’s place in the pecking order at Chelsea improving given the presence of Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham.

The report goes on to explain that Lampard will cling to Giroud, who Inter boss Antonio Conte dotes on, like a precious amulet in a bid to turn this promising season into an unforgettable one.