Olivier Giroud ‘almost joined Tottenham’ in January after becoming determined to leave Chelsea

Olivier Giroud says he came very close to leaving Chelsea midway through last season, before regaining his spot and playing a key role in the club’s run to a Champions League spot.

The veteran striker had barely featured for Frank Lampard by the time the January transfer window came around and set about trying to find a move.

Giroud says there were plenty of options for him, but a switch relied on Chelsea finding a replacement - which they were unable to do.

And despite eventually going on to become a starter again, the French forward would have left for a London rival if given the chance, with two sides in Italy also keen.

“During the last three days of the transfer window, I was in the coach's office to find a solution,” he told So Foot.

"I was hoping Chelsea would find a replacement for me.

"For my part, it was not the solutions that were lacking: I almost signed for Lazio, Inter… I was even so determined to leave that I even almost signed for Tottenham!"

Giroud further revealed that he had the opportunity to move to England even earlier than he did, with Middlesbrough, as well as Celtic in Scotland, keen on signing him in 2010.

Eventually, Giroud joined the Gunners two years later from Montpellier and has remained in the Premier League since - though he now faces additional competition for places from Timo Werner, as well as Tammy Abraham.

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