Reports have emerged in Italy as to how Chelsea made Olivier Giroud’s move to AC Milan difficult as the Rossoneri confirmed the Frenchman as their player.

The 34-year-old had already agreed personal terms with the Serie A side several weeks ago, a two-year contract worth €3.5m per season.

Giroud arrived at Milan’s Clinca La Madonnina on Thursday at around 8 am local time to begin his medical examinations with his new club.

There should also be an option for a third season.

At the time, the idea was that he’d be a free agent when his contract with Chelsea expired on June 30.

However, the Stamford Bridge side suddenly announced that they had activated a unilateral clause in his contract, extending to June 2022.

This irritated Milan, who threatened to look towards other candidates instead.

His agents assured it was merely a formality that Chelsea had adopted in order to avoid the risk of losing Giroud to another Premier League club, specifically West Ham United.

They were seemingly prepared to let him go for a minimal fee for a team outside of England.

Even then, negotiations dragged on for weeks, finally reaching a conclusion on Thursday.

It’s widely reported Chelsea will receive €1m for Giroud, with up to another €1m in various add-ons.