Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has said that Olivier Giroud's future at Stamford Bridge has not yet been decided.
The 34-year-old's existing deal with the Blues is due to expire at the end of June, meaning that he is currently free to discuss a pre-contract with foreign clubs.
Giroud has been in impressive scoring form for the London club during the 2020-21 campaign, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions in 21 appearances.
The Frenchman scored his first goal under Tuchel in the team's 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday, and while he has been praised by the new manager, the forward's future at the club is unclear.
"No decision has been made because it's too soon to make these decisions, too soon in the season. I don't have enough time to make these decisions because I just started three weeks ago, and we need more time to get to know the group better and better," the Evening Standard quotes Tuchel as saying.
"Everybody deserves more time to show their value to the group. What I can say until now is that I am super happy that he is here. He is one of the top strikers in the box. He is physically strong, he has an incredible first touch when he takes balls directly on the volley. He is very, very strong at that.
"He is very strong at headers. He had an amazing game against Newcastle. He is very strong, very, very positive in training. This is very impressive. And right now he plays a key role in this squad, where a lot of young offensive players play.
"He is a key figure. Maybe not because he plays 96 minutes every three days, but the way he behaves and with his experience on a daily basis. He has a huge impact in the most positive way we can wish and this is the what I am saying. I am very happy he is here and from there, on we go. When the decision arrives, we will make it. But, like I said, it is too soon."
Five of Giroud's 10 goals at club level this season have come in the Champions League.
Matt Law
