Giroud 'emerges as shock Barca target' as Chelsea contract ticks down

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has emerged as a surprise target for Barcelona, according to Sport.

The La Liga leaders are looking to bring in attacking reinforcements this months to take some of the burden off Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

They had been linked with Giroud's Chelsea teammate Alvaro Morata but Atletico Madrid are now looking to tie up a deal for the Spaniard.

And Spanish publication SPORT reports that Barca are now exploring the possibility of Giroud.

The former Arsenal man is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and is yet to agree terms on an extension.

It is claimed contact has been made by Barca with Giroud's representatives over a surprising deal.

Barca are likely to have to pay around €15m (£13.5m) to land the 32-year-old, with Chelsea considering cashing in rather than letting him leave for nothing in the summer.

Giroud has also reportedly been offered a move to China but he would rather stay in Europe.

Maurizio Sarri is unlikely to let both Giroud and Morata go but is clearly unsold on either with Eden Hazard deployed in a central striking role in recent matches.

Gonzalo Higuain remains Chelsea's No.1 target with Sarri keen on the striker he worked with at Napoli.

Chelaea have made contact with Juventus over a deal although it won't be easy with Higuain already out on loan at Milan.

The Serie A side want to keep him but Higuain is open to a move to Chelsea.