Chelsea forward insists he is staying

Olivier Giroud has declared he plans to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place.

There have been reports that the France international could leave Stamford Bridge in January, just a year after his arrival from Arsenal.

Marseille are reported to be keen to snap up Giroud, who has not scored a Premier League goal this season.

He has been a fringe player since Maurizio Sarri took over as Blues boss in the summer has been tipped to move when the transfer window opens.

But the 32-year-old target man has insisted that he is not intending to leave SW6.

Speaking on French television station Telefoot, Giroud dismissed suggestions he will have to change club in order to protect his place in the national team.

“I was being asked the same questions before the World Cup,” he said.

“I am going to fight and for the moment it is not a question about seeking a departure. I am going to stick in there – and do not expect me to give up.”