Premier League side prepare swoop for Chelsea forward

West Ham United are plotting a January move to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, according to The Mirror.

The France forward, part of Didier Deschamps’ World Cup-winning side, has not scored at club level since May and faces a regular fight for first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge alongside Alvaro Morata, who has also struggled for form.

With Chelsea believed to be on the hunt for a new forward and Giroud’s contract coming to a close at the end of the season, the Hammers believe they will have a chance to lure the 29-year-old across London for the third time in the space of a year.

Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea have an option to extend Giroud’s contract by two years but the player could eye a move to secure regular first-team action and West Ham have held a long-term interest in the former Arsenal man.

The Hammers approached Giroud last season ahead of his departure from the Gunners but he rejected their advances as he had better offers on the table.