Olivier Giroud transfer: Marseille to step up interest in Chelsea striker after missing out on Mario Balotelli

The striker only joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January but looks increasingly likely to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

Marseille have re-ignited interest in Olivier Giroud after failing in summer-long negotiations to sign Mario Balotelli from Nice. 

Giroud turned down Marseille last season to join Chelsea from Arsenal in an £18million deal. 

The France star has yet to return to Chelsea training – or meet new coach Maurizio Sarri – but Marseille are ready to offer £13m for the World Cup winner and a £5m-a-year contract.

Giroud, 31, would also be a guaranteed starter.

Former Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin, now back at Marseille has posted a picture of him and Giroud on holiday in Ibiza with the caption: “I will bring him home!”

 

Giroud is expected to leave Chelsea before the end of the transfer window (Image: Getty Images Europe

 

Balotelli, 27, would cost £9m from rivals Nice.

But Marseille will have to play super-agent Mario Raiola between £2m and £3m in commission to seal the signature of the Italy centre-forward.

He also wants a £6m-a-year salary.