Chelsea striker Giroud’s transfer out of Stamford Bridge ‘could happen’ if Lampard gives thumbs-up as Newcastle linked
FRANK LAMPARD admits Olivier Giroud can leave Chelsea — but only if his requirements are met.
Newcastle and Aston Villa are among the clubs who are lining up a move for the World Cup winner, 33, who has not played since the 1-0 loss to West Ham on November 30.
But the Blues boss has talked to the former Arsenal striker about his future, with Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps reminding Giroud he needs game time in order to feature in their Euro 2020 campaign.
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Lampard said: "There's no update on Oli.
"My answer remains the same as it has done recently and I have spoken with him.
"If the conditions are that it's something Oli really wants to do and it works for the club and it works for me and the squad, then it's something that could happen.
"But only when all three of those bases are covered. So we're still there."
Giroud was an unused sub as Lamps' young Blues beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ross Barkley.
After being quizzed about Giroud, Lampard also revealed he thinks the FA Cup is still a special competition.
There were depleted crowds around the grounds during third round weekend, but Chelsea had a strong showing of 40,492 at Stamford Bridge.
He added: "No, it hasn't for me and it hasn't for us.
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"But I understand when managers who are in the firing line and have things they have to achieve in the Premier League and squads and situations behind the scenes that we don't see when it's their squad.
"Sometimes you have to prioritise things differently.
"I don't think it has lost its sparkle but I understand managers who might see it in a different way."