Olivier Giroud heading for winter Chelsea exit?

France international Olivier Giroud could be offered a return to Ligue 1 in January with long-time admirers Marseille keen to prise away his signature from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old was regularly swapped with Alvaro Morata for the Premier League duties in the opening months of the season but his inability to find the net has enabled his teammate to cement the role of the first-choice striker.

According to French outlet Le Foot, Les Phoceens are confident of luring Giroud to Stade Velodrome in the New Year despite failing with an approach during the last transfer window.

Giroud has frequently revealed that he is in no hurry to end his association with the Blues but he may be forced to do in the forthcoming months, should the club decline to offer him an extension.

The Frenchman's existing deal expires at the end of the current campaign, though Chelsea have the option of an extension clause to prolong his stay for another 12 months.