A secret source inside Chelsea has suggested that Inter were disrespectful to French striker Olivier Giroud in their attempts to sign him. The source spoke earlier today to French broadcaster RMC Sport.

“Inter’s attitude towards Olivier Giroud has been very disrespectful. They made us wait and kept Giroud on his toes, a player who has always been exemplary and who had given his priority to Inter. Now Olivier will stay with us and as usual he will play more games in the second half of the season because he has an iron mentality and is strong. He’s going to the European Championships, I’m sure, he’s too important in the squad.”

The Nerazzurri had already found a verbal agreement with both the Blues and the French striker himself, but a deal never materialised, and coach Antonio Conte didn’t receive any forward reinforcements. The Italian will now have to make do with Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Sanchez and Sebastiano Esposito, considering the lack of the replacement for Italian forward Matteo Politano.

Giroud’s contract expires with the West London club in June, with both Inter and Lazio now keen to acquire the player on a free transfer in the summer. The 33-year-old Frenchman has made only seven appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season. In that time, he has only scored one goal, against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup in August.