Olivier Giroud has said that a decision will be made regarding his Chelsea future in the January transfer.
The 33-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from London rivals Arsenal just over 18 months ago in a triple deal which saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang effectively replace him at the Emirates Stadium and Michy Batshuayi join Borussia Dortmund on loan.
During Giroud's time in west London he's not managed to hold down a regular place but has helped the Blues win the FA Cup as well as the Europa League.
This season's he's being playing second fiddle to Tammy Abraham and there's an argument that he's even fallen behind Batshuayi in the pecking order under new head coach Frank Lampard.
Without a start for the Blues across any competition since the 1-1 draw with Leicester City in August, Giroud has admitted that he wants to fight for his place but concedes he might have to seek a transfer away in the new year.
"I'm going to fight for my place in Chelsea. The coach knows it. And we will make the decision in January," Giroud said, as per Goal. "If I want to leave Chelsea? Not necessarily. But if I need to make a choice.
"I have some beautiful years in front of me. I'm 33, I still have legs and a good healthy lifestyle and I feel good physically.
"I want to have fun and want to play more games. Chelsea is my priority, but if in the end I'm forced to make a choice, I will do it as when I left Arsenal.
"[Lampard] will almost certainly watch the matches. In any case, I am going back to Chelsea pumped up."
Giroud has certainly done his chances of earning a start against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon no harm with two goals for France during the international break.
He scored the only goal from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win over Iceland and broke the deadlock with a superb header against Turkey as the World Champions were held to a 1-1 draw.
Speaking after the game, France boss Didier Deschamps admitted he was concerned over Giroud's lack of game time at Chelsea so far this season.
"Olivier suffers because of his situation. Before January, nothing will move," Deschamps said.
"After, it will be up to him to see. I hope he will have more playing time.
"But we cannot take away his goals, his good performances. He scores, he makes others play well.
"He knows he is under pressure, but he always responds."
