Lazio continue negotiations to bring Olivier Giroud to Lazio. There is agreement with the player, at this point the only thing missing is Chelsea's approval. Lazio are looking to complete the move for the striker independent of the Blues' pursuit of Dries Mertens. Giroud has already spoken with Lazio's sporting director Tare, who has prepared a long-term contract offer of three and a half years, while Chelsea would earn €1m upfront for the loan, with €5m plus add-ons as a forced option to buy.
Chelsea are not turned off by the formula of the deal, rather by the absence of a backup striker should they fail to land additional reinforcements. Giroud for his part would seem to approve of a move that would guarantee him more playing time. Inter, meanwhile, have not restarted talks for the Frenchman.
