Olivier Giroud is being chased by Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid – but could end up at Crystal Palace .
The 33-year-old striker is set to leave Chelsea in January in search of regular first-team football. Atletico Madrid have led the hunt with Diego Costa sidelined until February through injury, leaving the Spanish club light on firepower.
But with Chelsea interested in Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, Giroud could now end up staying in London.
Roy Hodgson is desperate for some quality up front with Jordan Ayew the scorer of just three goals in 15 Premier League appearances this season.
Giroud has played only five times this season for Chelsea in the Premier League but has scored for the club against Liverpool in the Super Cup along with four goals for France in the European Championship qualifiers.
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The forward has found first-team chances limited under Frank Lampard this season, following the emergence of Tammy Abraham as the manager’s first-choice striker.
Spanish giants Atletico attempted to sign Giroud on loan in the summer of 2018 and are keen to strengthen a strikeforce that has netted just 16 goals in 16 La Liga games this season.
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte, who brought Giroud to Chelsea from Arsenal during his spell at Stamford Bridge, is eyeing a reunion with the experienced forward.
Giroud’s chances of more first-team action were further hit by Chelsea’s successful appeal against a transfer ban, which means the club will now be able to sign players in January.
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The fact that Chelsea are now able to bring in replacements for players they sell is likely to lead to a number of outgoings in the new year transfer window.
As well as Giroud, fringe players such as Pedro and Ross Barkley are among those who could be shown the door.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are set to hold talks with centre-back Nathan Ake ahead of impending January moves for the Dutchman from both Chelsea and Manchester City .
