Chelsea are considering an attempt to lure Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 31, has been part of the negotiations between the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But the Mirror are now claiming the Blues are ready to pounce if the German club fail to secure a loan deal for Giroud.
Antonio Conte is desperate to strengthen his squad and the Blues have been linked with a deal for Roma striker Edin Dzeko.
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But the report suggests the club see Giroud as a good option if the move for Dzeko cannot be completed.
Dortmund have offered just £1.3million to take Giroud on loan for the rest of the season.
And that could give the Blues an opening to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.
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The Germans will only offer a loan fee of £1.3m — despite demanding £60m from Arsenal for Gabon star Aubameyang.
The Bundesliga side have already rejected two Arsenal bids of £45m and £50m for Aubameyang.
Meanwhile, Conte has upset the Chelsea board with his comments on transfers after the Blues crashed out of the Carabao Cup to the Gunners.