Atletico Madrid have enquired to Chelsea about Olivier Giroud’s availability this summer, claims Sky Sports.
Diego Simeone wants to sign one more striker before the start of next season and Giroud has emerged as a surprise target for the Spanish giants.
Giroud only joined Chelsea at the start of the year but is reportedly free to leave Stamford Bridge, as new manager Maurizio Sarri looks to overhaul the club’s offensive options.
Atletico have been heavily linked with a move for AC Milan outcast Nikola Kalinic, but Simeone is keeping his options open and sounding out alternatives.
Despite the fact Chelsea would prefer to sell Giroud permanently, it is understood that Atletico are keen on prising the 31-year-old away on an initial season-long loan deal.
Giroud, who lifted the 2018 World Cup with France this summer, has spent the last six years in England across spells with Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Frenchman has divided opinion during that time and has often produced his finest moments as a substitute.
In fact, Giroud has scored at least eight more goals from the bench than any other player in the last three Premier League seasons (15).
