Olivier Giroud to fly to Italy to join AC Milan next week

Olivier Giroud is set to join AC Milan next week, with the striker expected to fly to the city to formalise his transfer. The World Cup winner’s contract was supposed to expire this summer, but Chelsea extended his contract in April without consulting him. 

The player talked about this during a press conference with the French national team. And it was then he confirmed that he was interested in joining Milan, praising the club when asked about his thoughts. 

So, while Milan won’t be signing him as a free agent, they will pay Chelsea €2 million in total for the Frenchman. Half of the amount is confirmed while the other half is an add-on. Giroud will sign a contract until June 2023 with the Rossoneri and will be the second Chelsea player to sign for the Serie A club following Fikayo Tomori’s permanent transfer this summer. 

They were also interested in signing Hakim Ziyech on a loan deal, but Chelsea are not willing to let the Moroccan depart since Thomas Tuchel still considers him a part of the club’s plans for the season going forward. 

Milan have been proactive in the market, having already completed the permanent signing of Sandro Tonali in addition to Tomori. They will play in the Champions League this season after a long spell away and have a promising squad to take into the tournament once again. 

Chelsea are looking at a £150 million transfer for Erling Haaland this summer, but it is unlikely that the Norwegian will leave Borussia Dortmund after the departure of Jadon Sancho.