Olivier Giroud Reveals Desire to Extend Chelsea Stay Following January Transfer Debacle

​Who would have thought that Olivier Giroud was actually a decent striker? Who would have thought Didier Deschamps wasn't totally barmy for selecting him throughout France's World Cup winning triumph in 2018? Frank Lampard, that's who.

But it seems as though a corner has been turned in that respect. Having been cast aside by the rookie coach in favour of satisfying his youthful policy, Lampard has since opted (or been forced) to field the 33-year-old in the starting lineup for each of the last four matches.

Barring a crushing defeat to Bayern Munich and an under-par showing against Bournemouth, it has worked. A victory over Tottenham in the ​Premier League - in which Giroud scored - and an FA Cup triumph over Liverpool have followed, offering a glimmer of hope for the Frenchman after his club career seemed to be grinding to a halt.

A plethora of English sides were joined by Serie A outfits Inter and Lazio in pursuing the forward in January, but no moves materialised due to Chelsea's inability to secure a replacement. Since then, Giroud's stance on his future has changed significantly.

“Yes. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of course [I want to stay at ​Chelsea]. There are a few months to go, games to win and maybe another trophy, and after, you know, I think I have two (or) three nice seasons in front of me," he said, via ​The Athletic. 

"It’s not the time to talk about contracts and everything but I will take a decision when it comes.”

It is no secret that Lampard is eyeing forward reinforcements during the upcoming summer window. His faith in Tammy Abraham is unwavering, but both Michy Batshuayi and Giroud don't seem to fit his profile of an ideal striker. The latter seems like he may have persuaded the boss otherwise, but whether he is given an extension on his current deal - which expires at the end of the season - is another matter.

It would make more financial sense to ship out Batshuayi, who they can accrue a decent fee for, and keep hold of Giroud as backup. He's not going to come up with the goods on a weekly basis, but as said backup, there are few better around. And, after the debacle of the winter window, Giroud admits he feels wanted again, while equally boosted in confidence.

“It was a tough month for me,” he added. “I just spoke with the manager and I believed what he said, that I would get my chance and he has given me my chance. 

"I have basically tried to give his confidence back on the pitch. My confidence is getting higher and higher because I am playing more games."

For more from Ross Kennerley, follow him on Twitter!