COMMENT: It's a problem they hoped to avoid. And it'll be a headache for Thomas Tuchel unless it's addressed. Olivier Giroud and his departure for AC Milan. Chelsea tried everything to prevent it. But it's happening... and soon.
Indeed, it could all be done by Tuesday. In Italy they're saying that's the day Giroud is expected in the city for a medical at the famous La Madonnina private hospital ahead of signing forms. Chelsea had hoped to scare off Milan by triggering a 12 month option in the veteran's contract. But even at 34 (he'll be 35 in September) and with no sell-on value, Milan's directors still managed to convince their hedge fund owners to commit to the €3m demanded by Chelsea to release him.
In practical terms, he'll fill a void. After Mario Mandzukic came and went, Milan chiefs Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara remained eager to find an experienced centre-forward. One to not only act as cover for another veteran, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but to also play alongside the Swede. Stefano Pioli, the Rossonero coach, was keen to see that happen after Mandzukic's January arrival, but injury thwarted those plans.
Instead he can count on Giroud. But this move runs deeper than simply the team sheet.
Driving the deal has been Maldini. The club's prime football director recognises a kindred spirit when he sees one. Even with the price-tag Chelsea slapped on their veteran, Maldini didn't hesitate. Knowing the player they'll be signing is one thing, knowing the character and dressing room presence they'll be getting is something else altogether.
Maurizio Sarri, Lazio's newly-appointed coach, is one who knows what Milan - and more specifically Pioli - can expect. He and Giroud spent one season together at Chelsea, ending with the Europa League title. Quizzed about this week's news of Giroud's imminent arrival, Sarri didn't hold back: "He's a great professional, one of those players who is always there when needed.
"Before the Europa League final in 2019, my deputy (Gianfranco) Zola asked me what my intentions were, and I replied: 'Giroud and Pedro are going to play, for sure, they have never missed important matches, you choose the nine other players...'"
Ask Tuchel and the response would be the same. That winner at Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie was arguably the defining moment of last season's winning Champions League run. So much doubt was swirling around the team at the time, but Giroud was one to keep his nerve and find a winner on one of the most critical evenings in Tuchel's burgeoning Blues career.
But again, it's not just that knack of Giroud's to stand up and find the right action at the right moment that Chelsea will miss. It's also the attitude and willingness to wait for that moment "when needed", as Sarri says, that'll be a problem for Tuchel.
Giroud knew his position within Chelsea's squad. He didn't always agree with it. No-one could accuse him of lacking belief or ambition. But he never allowed those complaints to spiral into self-indulgence. Giroud, whether with Chelsea or Arsenal before him, was always a positive presence inside the dressing room.
Which is what Maldini will be banking on from next week. Indeed, in his own words, Giroud has set out what Pioli and the Milan brainstrust can expect from him in and around the Milanello HQ.
“Even the best player in the world will tell you sometimes he has to deal with difficulties," says the veteran, "and sometimes you should even be grateful to have it because it always helps you move forward and improve.
“Doing the right thing is being professional, giving your best at training, having the right mentality, never complaining and trying to always find a positive, even in the negative."
Can Tuchel count on the same from Tammy Abraham? What about Timo Werner? It's a stretch. Any manager in the game wants to have as many talented players available to him as possible. But there's also the attitude that goes with having a deep squad. For Tuchel, Giroud was one he could count on "when needed". Super-sub. Pinch-hitter. Take your pick of descriptors, but they don't do justice to how valuable a player of Giroud's ability and attitude is to a manager.
It's why Chelsea - unilaterally - triggered the 12 month option in Giroud's contract. The decision announced while the veteran was away with France preparing for Euro 2020. It was regarded in some quarters as a way for Chelsea to protect their asset. But earning a couple of million quid was never the priority. Instead, Chelsea were hoping Elliott, Milan's hedge fund owners, would refuse such an investment, knowing it'd be a write-off.
But as Maldini argued behind-closed-doors, you can't put a value on what Giroud will bring to the Rossonero environment. And of course, there's also the acclaimed Milan Lab. Who's to say how long the experts there can extend Giroud's career?
On paper. In the record books. You could argue Chelsea can handle the departure. But Tuchel and co know how much they're about to lose with Giroud's exit. And it's why they tried everything to prevent it.
