Chelsea trigger extension clause in Frenchman's contract

Chelsea have reportedly renewed the contract of Olivier Giroud for another season after triggering the extension clause available to them.

The Frenchman was initially expected to leave the Blues on a free transfer during the summer but the club have now taken the decision to prolong his stay for another 12 months, according to Goal.com.

Giroud could still pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere but the club have the benefit of commanding a transfer fee from one of the interested sides.

The former Arsenal man has struggled for consistent gametime with the Blues this term and he has made only five starts in the Premier League.

He has attracted interest from the likes of Inter Milan, Lazio and Tottenham Hotspur and the former failed with a transfer approach in January.

The Nerazzurri are likely to return for his services this summer but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to meet the price tag set by the west London side.