Chelsea agree to sell Olivier Giroud to Tottenham on one condition

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Tottenham for Olivier Giroud, but the transfer will only go through if the Blues can complete a move for Napoli’s Dries Mertens.

Giroud is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes due to a lack of playing time this season, but a move has proved difficult to secure, despite numerous clubs showing an interest.

Spurs are keen to sign the 33-year-old with Harry Kane out injured until at least April, but Chelsea were not convinced about selling the striker to a Premier League rival.

The Blues have relented on that position and an agreement has been reached with Tottenham, but will not let the move go through until they bring in another forward.

Frank Lampard wants to sign Napoli’s Dries Mertens on transfer deadline day, with the Belgian out of contract at the end of the season and the Italian side tempted to cash in on him now.

However, the Sun reports that a deal for the 32-year-old is unlikely to get over the line before the 11pm deadline on Friday.

The Blues have seen an initial bid of £6m rejected for Mertens and do not want to pay much more for a player who turns 33 in May.

Giroud is hoping that will not scupper his exit from Stamford Bridge as he searches for first team football in order to make the France squad for Euro 2020.

Inter Milan have also made a fresh bid for the striker after agreeing a deal for him and then pulling out earlier in the week.

Chelsea were thought to be furious with Inter for messing them about, but now they are back in the market for Giroud and a deal could be resurrected.

Lazio are also interested in signing the veteran striker, but his preference is to stay in London and move to Spurs.