Chelsea exercise option to extend Giroud's contract until 2021

Olivier Giroud will remain at Chelsea through the 2020-21 campaign after the club confirmed Wednesday it had exercised an option to extend his contract.

It was initially reported last month that the French striker, 33, had agreed to remain at Stamford Bridge through next season.

"I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea," Giroud said. "I can't wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my teammates. I'm looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."

Giroud had been linked with a move to a variety of clubs - most notably Inter Milan - during the January transfer window, but Chelsea's inability to procure a replacement scuppered any potential switch for the veteran forward.

"Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general," manager Frank Lampard said.

"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad," Lampard added. "I am very pleased that will continue next season."

Since joining Chelsea from Arsenal in 2018, the World Cup winner has scored 21 goals for the club in all competitions. He found playing time difficult to come by this season prior to the pandemic-induced work stoppage, finding the net twice in just nine Premier League appearances as Tammy Abraham garnered the vast majority of starts up front under Lampard.