Report: Giroud could force Chelsea exit to keep France spot

Fear of missing out on France's Euro 2020 campaign could force Olivier Giroud to reconsider his future at Chelsea.

The 34-year-old forward is eager to keep his spot on the national team ahead of next summer's tournament and could push for a transfer in January unless Chelsea can offer him regular playing time before the year ends, according to The Athletic's Simon Johnson.

Chelsea successfully convinced Giroud to stay on two other occasions earlier this year when he voiced similar concerns.

But the former Arsenal forward has only managed to make three Premier League appearances this season - all as a substitute - for a Chelsea side that stocked up on attackers during the summer transfer window.

Although he's played 340 minutes for France since the start of September - compared to the 154 minutes he's logged at Chelsea this term - France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged Giroud's situation at Chelsea isn't ideal but stopped short of saying his place in the team is at risk.

"Olivier knows it - the situation he’s in today cannot drag on forever," Deschamps told reporters Tuesday. "Before March (the next international break when France begins its World Cup qualifying campaign) he will have to find another situation than this one."

He added: "I never give advice, I give an opinion. At the end of the day, it’s the player’s decision. He has had situations that have sometimes been complicated to deal with.

"Today, it is not good for him. Will it stay the same or will it improve? It’s up to him. He knows what I think, even if I don’t forget everything he has done and everything he would still be able to do."

Giroud, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, was limited to a role off the bench for the national team this month, as Manchester United's Anthony Martial has been the team's preferred option in attack.

Giroud helped Chelsea win the Europa League and FA Cup after joining the club in 2018.