Olivier Giroud admits his Chelsea future looks ‘bleaker’ following the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has admitted his future with the Blues looks “bleaker” following Gonzalo Higuain’s arrival at the club.

The Argentine has signed on loan with the option for Chelsea to buy him in the summer for £31million.

Giroud, 32, has spent seven years in England with Arsenal and Chelsea, but has admitted the forward’s arrival has raised further questions on where his future lies.

Speaking about a potential departure in the summer to French news outlet Canal Football Club, he said: “My agent is taking care of things. If they’re looking for a forward we’ll study the opportunities, whether it be there or elsewhere.

“It’s certain that if Chelsea wants to sign another striker [permanently], like Higuain, my future would look bleaker. As I’m practically out of contract in June, we’ll see what the best decision to take is.”

Giroud has mainly been a back-up for Chelsea since his £18million switch from north to west London.

He played second-fiddle to Alvaro Morata at the start of his Stamford Bridge tenure, and recently has been left out completely with Eden Hazard preferred as a false nine.

On Sunday, he already got a taste of what life will be like with Higuain after replacing the 31-year-old late-on as Chelsea beat Sheffield Wednesday.

And he has admitted to growing frustrated at not starting matches under Maurizio Sarri.

He told ESPN, “I haven’t played much recently. The coach made the choice to play Eden up front. It’s a tactical choice that is to the detriment of the forwards who are real No. 9s.”

One potential suitor for the World Cup winner is Barcelona, who have been linked with a move for the 32-year-old to support Luis Suarez.