Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is closing in on a move to Italian giants AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.
The former Arsenal man, who joined Chelsea back in January 2018 on an initial 18-month deal, is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Serie A outfit ahead of making the move to the San Siro.
Giroud, who stepped off the bench during France's 1-1 draw with Hungary at Euro 2020 on Saturday, was confirmed to have had his Chelsea contract extended earlier this month, despite finding opportunities limited under Blues chief Thomas Tuchel.
However, despite having seen the option of a one-year extension triggered, Giroud still looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, with Sky Italia, as cited by the Metro, reporting that the 34-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, reported to be worth £3million a year.
Although personal terms between Giroud and Milan have been agreed, the Italian giants are yet to agree a fee with Chelsea for his signature, although the striker hopes the Blues will allow him to leave on a free transfer.
However, with the Blues keen on adding fresh blood to Tuchel's squad this summer it is unlikely that they would be willing to accept a free offer, with them keen to raise as much money as possible to fund possible deals for the likes of Inter Milan's Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund.
If Chelsea were to secure a fee for Giroud it would have shades of what happened back in 2019 when David Luiz agreed to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge and was then sold a few months later to Arsenal for £8million.
Recently, Giroud addressed reports linking him with a move to Milan, refusing to rule out the prospect that he would leave Stamford Bridge.
"I want to make it clear that Chelsea reactivated the clause in April and they recently announced it to comply with Premier League rules,” said Giroud.
"It's fair to remember that I liked [Milan legends] Marco van Basten and Andriy Shevchenko.
"Milan are a big club and one of the great teams in Europe.
"But, today, I will not talk about my future at the club because I am focused on the France team and the Euros, which is fast approaching."
Current Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also spoken publicly about the claims linking Giroud with a move to Italy, and he admitted that he would welcome the move if it was to happen.
"The more high-level players we can sign, the better," Ibrahimovic told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Giroud has great experience and we don’t have many players who have won trophies.
"If he comes he is welcome. Also because this is a very helpful group, willing to learn and improve, a well-guided group.
"Am I selfish? I have to be, there are many are kings but there is only one god and that’s me. But without my team-mates I don’t go anywhere and I know it.
"Football made me meet people, travel, experience different cultures. It gave me the life I have. What did I give? The most complete striker in the world."
