France coach Didier Deschamps has again declared Olivier Giroud needs to leave Chelsea.
Risking the wrath of Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, Deschamps wants Giroud to be playing regular football leading up to the summer's Euros - and can't see that happening at Stamford Bridge.
In England, Giroud has been linked with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan ahead of the January transfer window opening. But while off contract in June, Deschamps is encouraging Giroud to move immediately if he cannot secure playing guarantees from Lampard.
The Les Bleus coach told L'Equipe via Le 10 Sport: "He, like others, may have to move. His situation at Chelsea has not changed for two months.
"It would be better for Olivier, of course, to go to a club where he will have more playing time. If he cannot have this playing time at Chelsea, the idea is to be able to have it elsewhere."
Despite his problems at club level, Giroud has firmly established himself as a first-choice for his country, having played a key role in last year's World Cup triumph in Russia.
While he has split opinion in France, Giroud retains the passionate support of his national team coach.
Deschamps, who was an FA Cup winner as a Chelsea player, won't publicly recommend where Giroud should go, but is adamant he needs to be sure of playing regularly.
He added: "It will be his decision. But I don't know the solutions he has, the possibilities he has to have is more playing time."
- updated December 16
