ROMA are reportedly plotting a late raid on Chelsea for Olivier Giroud.
Corriere dello Sport claims the Frenchman is wanted on loan as a replacement for Edin Dzeko, who has been axed by boss Paulo Fonseca.
It’s believed the pair clashed over the exit of popular backroom staff man Gianluca Combar.
And Dzeko, 34, is now training alone after being left out of Saturday’s 4-3 win against Spezia.
It's a huge call as the Bosnian has been a hugely important player for Roma since joining from Manchester City in 2015.
Dzeko has scored 114 goals in 242 games for the capital club, including eight this season.
And Roma are now desperately scrambling for a replacement late in the window.
It’s believed Giroud, also 34, has swiftly emerged as their No1 target.
But Roma are unsure if they can negotiate a deal, temporary or permanent, with Chelsea following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
The German is yet to indicate if Giroud is part of his plans for the rest of the season.
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If he is, then there is no chance Chelsea will do business.
And even if Tuchel would allow Giroud’s exit, there is very little time left before the window closes for a deal to be struck.
Giroud’s Chelsea future was in doubt earlier this term under Frank Lampard, but he has since gone on to score nine times in 18 games.
And the World Cup winner stated earlier this month that he plans on remaining put until his deal expires in the summer, telling RMC Sport: “My career, in the short term, I see it at Chelsea.
“Now, we know things go quickly in football, both in good and bad ways. I want to keep my head clear and focus on the pitch.
“I’m coming to the end of my contract at Chelsea in June, even if we have the option of another year.
“We’ll go over things at the end of the year. But, once again, I have the ambition of winning something with Chelsea this season because I have a lot of hope due to the quality of our squad.”
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