Olivier Giroud relishing competition for places following Werner's arrival

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is relishing the extra competition from new signing Timo Werner but insists his £53million team-mate is 'not the same' as him. 

Chelsea signed the 24-year-old German international Werner from RB Leipzig in June. The former VFB Stuttgart star will join Giroud, 33, and Tammy Abraham, 22, as Frank Lampard's striking options at Stamford Bridge next season. But Giroud is not at all phased by the new arrival but is believing that it will strengthen the squad morale. 

He told Telefoot: "I haven't spoken to Lampard. One thing is certain: the competition will pull us all to the top. A great club should have different options in each position. "We want to be in the race for the title and I'm here. I finished the season well and I proved to the manager that he can count on me. Werner is not the same profile as me, I hope to have some playing time." 

Giroud was largely unused in the first half of Lampard's first season as Chelsea boss. But injuries and a failed winter move away, gave the Frenchman a chance to reignite his Blues career in the second half of the season. 

Giroud went on to score eight league goals in 13 games after being reintroduced into the starting 11 in February. Now, despite a transfer spree that has seen Werner and £70m compatriot Kai Havertz arrive, the experienced forward looks set to stay and fight for his place. 

But, it is claimed that Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi faces another season on loan. The Belgian is to be offered an extension to avoid him walking away for nothing next summer. 

No club who can afford Batshuayi has shown an interest in this window and Chelsea hopes that by giving him a further year he can go out and increase his value.

Featured image credits - Goal