Chelsea star wants important role to stay with the club

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has demanded an important role with the west London club next season or else he could pursue a fresh challenge away from the club.

The France international has been with the Blues for the past 15 months, but during this period, he has largely featured for the club from the substitutes' bench.

According to Evening Standard, the Frenchman is said to be frustrated with the limited gametime especially in the Premier League, and he is prepared to hold crunch talks with the club's hierarchy regarding the same.

Giroud's existing deal with the Blues expires at the end of the current season, but the striker has previously revealed that there is a 12-month option which could be triggered.

Gonzalo Higuain has been the regular choice for the league duties under Maurizio Sarri during the second half of the season, though he has struggled to score on a regular basis.

The Argentine has netted just three times since his January loan move from Juventus.