Olivier Giroud is set to extend his stay at Chelsea by another year, with Blues manager Frank Lampard keen to keep the Frenchman as an option in his squad.
The Blues are also set to step up their chase for Napoli striker Dries Mertens who becomes a free agent in the summer. Giroud, 33, has a one-year option which his club are ready to activate with his contract expiring on June 30.
The French international striker had only made five Premier League starts when football was suspended but he came in from the cold to score twice in the Premier League in five games before English football ground to a halt.
Activating the option in his contract means any club now wanting to sign Giroud will need to agree a fee with Chelsea. Inter Milan retain an