Roma striker Dzeko is still locked in talks with the Stamford Bridge club over the deal, but he wants a two and a half year contract to return to the Premier League, while the champions are only offering a deal up to 2019.

Giroud was being offered as a makeweight in the deal that is expected to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal but the Bundisliga club now want a straight cash £60 million deal.

Giroud, 31, will be pushed further down the pecking order at the Emirates if Aubameyang arrives having only started only one league game this season.

And the Blues are hoping to capitalise if their Dzeko deal falls through.

The former Manchester City ace’s agent has been in London for talks with Chelsea but the deal is dragging.

Chelsea are also hoping to land left-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma as Antonio Conte wants more January additions after signing Ross Barkley.

Giroud’s Arsenal future is uncertain with Arsene Wenger ready to let him leave with the World Cup coming up.

But Dortmund have withdrawn their interest and Chelsea are now watching on.

Giroud is keen to get game time ahead of the summer but rejected a move to Everton in the summer.

Giroud is understood to be keen on staying in London so a move to Chelsea may appeal.

Chelsea have been searching for a striker and have been linked with Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch and Ashley Barnes to add competition for Alvaro Morata.

Michy Batshuayi will be allowed to leave on loan if they find a replacement.