TUCHEL KEEPS GOLDEN OLDIES

CHELSEA MANAGER TIES GIROUD AND

THOMAS Tuchel has penned a new two- year deal at Chelsea — and he wants his veterans to stay with him.

It was thought that Olivier Giroud would be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to make an impact since the German arrived.

But Chelsea have triggered a oneyear extension in the French striker’s contract.

And they have done the same with Thiago Silva. He limped out of the Champions League final win over Manchester City but the 36- year- old will stay in blue for another 12 months at least.

The Brazil centre- back has had a major influence on and off the pitch since arriving on a free transfer from Paris St Germain last summer.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “Thiago has duly shown everyone at Chelsea his immense quality throughout this season, and he has had a huge influence on and off the pitch for us.

“We said when he signed that we hoped Thiago would add new trophies to his impressive list of honours, and he has done just that with our success in the Champions League this weekend. We now hope that he carries on in exactly the same fashion in the coming year.”

While Silva staying in west London is not a surprise, Giroud was thought to be on his way to AC Milan.

Granovskaia says there was never any thought of letting the 34- yearold leave — and it was decided weeks ago to keep him.

She added: “Olivier has been such a crucial part of so many big moments for this club, from his contribution to our FA Cup victory in 2018 to scoring 11 goals on the way to winning the Europa League in 2019.

“He has continued to score significant goals, and we will never forget his effort against Atletico Madrid on the way to winning the Champions League this season.

“With so much to still to play for, there was only one decision we could make when we exercised the option to extend his contract back in April.”

Strapped

Chelsea’s focus is now on summer transfer targets as the club tries to build on its Champions League success.

Former Blues hitman Romelu Lukaku remains to top of the shopping list.

That’s despite the big Belgian saying he will be staying at Inter

Milan. The Italians are strapped for cash and a potential £ 80m deal would go a long way to clearing their debts.

A lack of cash at the San Siro is the main reason why Antonio Conte walked out after winning the Serie A title.

Owner Roman Abramovich is happy to stump up the cash to get Lukaku.

That’s because Tuchel believes he can deliver the Premier League title with a more reliable finisher than wasteful Timo Werner.

He is ahead of Erling Haaland for Chelsea who want a proven hitman in the Premier League — and the bidding may get silly for the Norway international who says he’s happy to stay with Borussia Dortmund.

Lukaku scored 24 times for Inter last season plus 10 assists.

He left Stamford Bridge in 2014 for Everton after a short stint but