Maurizio Sarri expects Olivier Giroud to agree an extension on his contract and remain at Chelsea next term.
Giroud joined from Arsenal for £18million in January last year and has made a positive impact at Stamford Bridge.
While his current deal expires this summer, an option was installed in his initial agreement which provides an opportunity to add another 12 months and take in the 2019-20 season as well.
Giroud has spoken about his frustration over a lack of playing time under Sarri and suggested last month that he is prepared to move to a club with a lower stature in order to feature more regularly.
However, Sarri is confident he will still be at the club next season. When asked if he wants to keep him, the Chelsea coach replied: “Yes, of course.
“I know the club have an option for another season, so I think he will remain. Do I get the impression he wants to stay? I think so.”
Despite starting just 16 games under Sarri, the 32-year-old has found the net 11 times.
Nine of those strikes have come in the Europa League and that tally has made him the top scorer in the competition.
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