Olivier Giroud is set for showdown talks with Chelsea over his future as the striker eyes a January exit if his first-team opportunities remain limited.
The 33-year-old is fearful of losing his place in France’s Euro 2020 squad having started just two Premier League games all season, the latest of which came last weekend in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud claimed last month he would stay and fight for more regular game-time but Michy Batshuayi is ahead of him in the pecking order to replace Tammy Abraham, who is hopeful his current hip problem will not sideline him for too long.
Lampard would prefer to keep Giroud but the situation will also be influenced by Chelsea’s appeal over their Fifa transfer ban.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is set to announce this month whether the club’s appeal has been successful and if so, they will be able to sign players again in January.
