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Chelsea transfers: Weekend roundup for July 10-11

By ROSHAAN KAPOOR

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe (C) fights for the ball with Lorient's British defender Trevoh Chalobah (L) during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Yves-Allainmat stadium, in Lorient, western France, on January 31, 2021. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe (C) fights for the ball with Lorient's British defender Trevoh Chalobah (L) during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Yves-Allainmat stadium, in Lorient, western France, on January 31, 2021. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French forward Olivier Giroud (C) lifts the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on May 29, 2021. (Photo by David Ramos / various sources / AFP) (Photo by DAVID RAMOS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French forward Olivier Giroud (C) lifts the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on May 29, 2021. (Photo by David Ramos / various sources / AFP) (Photo by DAVID RAMOS/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Olivier Giroud is set for a move to AC Milan for £1.7 million

AC Milan has come to an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer and is now closing in on a £1.7 million deal to sign Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has been a cult hero for the Blues since joining in 2018 and has come in clutch whenever called upon. His £15.3 million move from Arsenal received a mixed reception, but his professional approach and eagerness to improve made him a valuable asset for the club. Giroud saw Chelsea trigger an extension clause in his contract toward the end of last season to prevent him from leaving on a free.

The 34-year-old has seen his playing time limited under Thomas Tuchel and is keen to play more regularly. The Rossoneri have been long admirers of Giroud and have continued to negotiate with the European Champions. The risky move of triggering an extension clause has paid off as Chelsea have managed to maximize the Frenchman’s value. Milan will pay some money up front and a further sum in add-ons next year. Giroud’s three-and-a-half-year stint at Chelsea has been nothing less extraordinary, winning the FA Cup in 2018, UEFA Europa League in 2019 and UEFA Champions League last season. Giroud will be the second player to join Milan from Chelsea this summer after Fikayo Tomori made his loan deal permanent.

After the departure of Mario Mandzukic, the Italian giants are only left with two recognizable strikers. Zlatan Ibrahimović is turning 40 in October and with Rafael Leao linked with a move away, signing the World Cup winner will help the club greatly. Giroud’s excellent hold-up play, his vast experience of playing in big games, winning trophies and the pace of Italian football will suit his style of play. Last month in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swede spoke highly of Giroud saying, “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, who wants to learn and improve, a well-guided workgroup.”

The striker is set to arrive in Milan soon with his medical scheduled for Monday.

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