Chelsea are reportedly planning to hand want-away striker Olivier Giroud a one-year extension to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond June 30.
The Frenchman's current deal with the Blues elapses in about two months from now and has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
But the London club might not be ready to let the 33-year old go just yet, and are ready to activate a cheeky clause which would enable a contract extension.
This would essentially keep Giroud at Stamford Bridge until 2021 at the very earliest.
Because of his limited playing time, it is believed the London club are keen to extend his contract primarily to heighten his value, rather than allowing him to walk for free after June 30.
The likes of Lazio and fellow Londoners Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in his services but will now have to place a bid if the contract extension comes through.
For a large part of Frank Lampard's reign, Giroud had majority of his time on the sidelines, only getting a chance when first-choice striker Tammy Abraham sustained an ankle injury.
There is still a possibility of Chelsea to cash in on Giroud but in the wake of the coronavirus, there is a wave of uncertainty over players whose contracts expire on June 30.
This is because of the simple fact that the Premier League is almost guaranteed to not be completed by then.
FIFA recommended leagues to allow players to be able to temporarily extend contracts of their players until the season is complete, but there is no legal loopholes binding any player to a club beyond a current deal.
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