Lampard admits Giroud leaving Chelsea is 'something that could happen' in January

The Blues boss has spoken to the France striker regarding his
future and will not stand in his way if he wants to move onto a new
challenge

Frank Lampard has confirmed that Olivier Giroud could leave
Chelsea during the January transfer window.

Giroud has only appeared in seven matches across all
competitions for the Blues this season, with just two of those
coming as a starter.

The France international finds himself behind Tammy Abraham and
Michy Batshuyai in the pecking order and has only six months left
to run on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old was left on the bench for Chelsea's 2-0 win over
Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, but
he took the time to wave to home supporters after the final whistle
- a move which has been interpreted as a goodbye gesture.

Lampard has been tipped to bring in another striker in the winter
market, with Lyon's Moussa Dembele thought to be a primary
target .

The Chelsea manager conceded that Giroud could be sold this
month if all the "bases are covered" when talking to reporters after
the clash with Forest.

"There's no update on Ollie, but I've spoken with him," Lampard
said of the World Cup winner.

"If the conditions are that it's something he really wants to do and
it works for the club, for me and the squad then it's something that
could happen.

"But only when all of those bases are covered. So we'll see if we're
there."

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Dinamo Zagreb
midfielder Dani Olmo , RB Leipzig's Timo Werner and Borussia
Dortmund teenager Jadon Sancho, having seen a FIFA imposed
transfer ban lifted at the start of December.

The Blues were unable to bring in any new players in the summer
due to the ruling, and Lampard has stressed the importance of
getting the "recruitment right" to close the gap on Liverpool and
Manchester City in the Premier League.

Next up for Lampard's men is a home fixture against Burnley on
Saturday, seven days before they take in a trip to St James' Park to
take on Newcastle.

Chelsea are fourth in the standings at the moment, with a five-
point lead over fifth-place Manchester United in the race for the
final Champions League spot.