Olivier Giroud has agreed to remain at Chelsea despite it seeming like the former Arsenal favourite would be leaving the club this summer.

Giroud left Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s final transfer window when he was shipped across London for £15.3m in January 2018 as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived. Although he has scored 21 goals, with 13 assists, in 76 games (a goal or assist every 110 minutes), it seemed like he would be off this summer.

Not so as the club have opted to exercise the option in his contract to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

“An option to extend the striker’s contract by a year was taken last month, ensuring his two-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge which was due to end at the conclusion of the current campaign will continue,” the club said a statement on the official Chelsea website.

“Prior to the pause in the season due to the pandemic, Giroud had again emphasised his importance to the squad by taking on the responsibility of leading the attack with Tammy Abraham injured, and making a significant contribution, not least when he expertly found the net to open the scoring in a win against Tottenham in February, and helped to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup the following month.”

Giroud said: “I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea. I can’t wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates. I’m looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so.”

Director Marina Granovskaia added: “It is clear to the club that Olivier continues to be a player we want in the squad, especially as we maintain the important balance between top-quality experience and the exciting young talent we have available, and his attitude when asked to play a supporting role has been exemplary. He is a proven trophy winner who we hope can help our new generation to become that too.”

Frank Lampard said: “Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general.

“He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad. I am very pleased that will continue next season.”