Chelsea striker signs new deal

Chelsea have triggered an option to extend Olivier Giroud's contract until the end of the 2020/21 season. 

The Frenchman was out of contract this summer and heavily linked with a summer exit as a result. 

Giroud was set to leave Chelsea in January, but with no replacement available, the Frenchman remained at the club. 

"Olivier Giroud will remain at Chelsea for the 2020/21 season," a statement read on the club's official website. 

"An option to extend the striker’s contract by a year was taken last month, ensuring his two-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge which was due to end at the conclusion of the current campaign will continue. 

"Prior to the pause in the season due to the pandemic, Giroud had again emphasised his importance to the squad by taking on the responsibility of leading the attack with Tammy Abraham injured, and making a significant contribution, not least when he expertly found the net to open the scoring in a win against Tottenham in February, and helped to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup the following month." 

On his new deal, Giroud said: "I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea. I can’t wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates.  

"I’m looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so." 

Head coach Frank Lampard added: "Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general. 

"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad. I am very pleased that will continue next season."