New AC Milan centre-forward, France's Olivier Giroud gestures upon his arrival at La Madonnina clinic in Milan on July 16, 2021 to undergo a medical check up. - The 34-year-old World Cup winner is reported to be set to sign a two-year contract worth three million euros per season with AC Milan.
Milan have officially put Olivier Giroud under the contract. The Rossoneri have completed a long chase that started right after the end of the season. They initially wanted him on a free transfer, but Chelsea unilaterally extended his expiring contract.
They will pay a €1M fee if they qualify for the next Champions League and if he plays a certain number of matches, Sky Sport reports. He signed a two-year contract with an optional third season.
Giroud leaves the Blues after four seasons, where he has accumulated 119 appearances and scored 39 goals. He contributed to winning the Europa League two years ago and the Champions League in the past season. He previously spent six years at Arsenal before completing the crosstown move for €17M in 2018. The 34-year-old will don #9, which proved challenging for those who came after Filippo Inzaghi.
The Frenchman, who lifted the World Cup in 2018, joins Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Milan front-line. The two will alternate and occasionally feature together next season. Giroud is already accustomed to a part-time role.
He replaces Mario Mandzukic, who was unable to contribute in the second half of the previous campaign. The Rossoneri had mixed results when the Swedish ace was absent, and they had to use a false nine.
Ibrahimovic is currently rehabbing after knee surgery, but he should be ready for the opening game. He missed time on multiple occasions last year due to muscular problems. Milan could also add a young striker, with Kaio Jorge being the frontrunner at this stage.
