Inter fall short of Chelsea's Giroud valuation with opening bid

Inter have had a £3.4m bid for Olivier Giroud rejected but remain in negotiations with Chelsea, claims The Guardian.

Giroud is desperate to leave Chelsea this month after falling completely out of favour under Frank Lampard this season.

The 33-year-old is worried a lack of playing time will cost him a place in France's squad for the European Championships this summer.

Giroud has already been linked with moves to Aston Villa and Newcastle but Inter are now the clear favourites for his signature.

Antonio Conte was Chelsea manager when Giroud signed from Arsenal in January 2018 and now wants to bring him to Inter.

Giroud would also reunite with Alexis Sanchez, whom he formed a great partnership with during their time at Arsenal together.

However, it would be a curious move for Giroud as Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez are Inter's undisputed first choice strike pairing.

Inter's opening bid has been knocked back by Chelsea and Lampard's side are holding out for £8.5m for his signature.

Lampard's side are on the market for a new striker this month and it's unclear whether they will sanction Giroud's departure before getting a new face in first.

The veteran striker has been limited to just five Premier League appearances so far this season and last played a competitive match in November.