Barcelona have reportedly identified Chelsea's Olivier Giroud as a possible target in their search for a new striker.
The Spanish champions are keen to bolster their attacking options this month after Munir El Haddadi's exit left 32-year-old Luis Suarez as their only recognised centre-forward.
Lionel Messi is also able to play through the middle, but Ernesto Valverde wants to increase his strength in depth and Barca have consequently been linked with Cristhian Stuani and Giroud's Chelsea teammate Alvaro Morata.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Giroud has now emerged as a surprise target, with Barcelona understood to have made contact with the Frenchman's representatives.
Giroud's contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season and no extension has yet been agreed - although Barca would want any transfer to go through this month.
Chelsea would reportedly be willing to offload Giroud for around €15m (£13.5m) but will only sanction the exit of one of their strikers amid reports linking Morata with a move back to Spain too.
Giroud joined Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal in January and has gone on to score 10 goals in 42 appearances for the club.
Barney Corkhill
