Transfer Talk: Giroud set to wave goodbye to the Blues
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is poised to end his nine-year stint in English football after agreeing to join Italian giants AC Milan.
Giroud, 34, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for some time and will sign a two-year deal with the Rossoneri in the coming days, subject to passing a medical.
Sky Sports say a fee of around £3million has been agreed between the clubs for the Frenchman, who had one year left on his contract after the Blues triggered an extension clause last month.
Giroud has played under four different managers in West London since joining from Arsenal, netting 39 goals in 119 appearances and winning three major trophies — including last season’s Champions League.
Despite a respectable goalscoring record, the marksman struggled to nail down a regular starting spot over the last two campaigns and found himself behind the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order last term.
Giroud will link up with former Chelsea team-mate Fikayo Tomori at Milan, with the 23-year-old defender’s loan spell having been made permanent this summer for a reported £24m.
Pell of a signing
Tottenham are eyeing a move for Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini — but they will have to fork out £26m to land the midfielder.
Pellegrini, 25, has risen through the ranks in the Italian capital and is thought to be a key part of former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho’s plans as he prepares for his first campaign in the Stadio Olimpico dugout.
But The Athletic say the North Londoners are considering testing Roma’s resolve with new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo looking to put his stamp on the squad he has inherited.
Moussa Sissoko has been told he is free to move on and the future of Harry Winks is also uncertain, leaving room for new recruits in the middle of the park.
Pellegrini, who netted seven goals and laid on seven assists in 34 Serie A appearances last season, would undoubtedly add a new dimension to Tottenham's midfield if a move was to materialise.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will look to bring in any of his former players but Eric Dier has been linked with a reunion.
In other news
Premier League newcomers Brentford are set to break their transfer record to land Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, according to The Sun.
The Bees and Bhoys are believed to have agreed a £13.5m deal for the Norwegian, 23, who was left out of the Scottish side’s squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly with Bristol City.
Goal claim Real Madrid are awaiting an offer from Manchester United for French defender Raphael Varane after accepting he is unlikely to sign a new deal at the Bernabeu.
Varane, 28, has reportedly told club officials he is keen to pursue other options — opening the door for the Red Devils to make their move.