Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes that the Blues should do everything in their power to keep hold of "different class" Olivier Giroud in January.

The veteran Frenchman is currently behind Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the Stamford Bridge pecking order, but Giroud demonstrated his importance to the team with a last-gasp winner against Rennes in the Champions League last week.

Giroud continues to be linked with an exit from Chelsea ahead of the upcoming transfer window, but Cole has urged Frank Lampard to make sure that the former Arsenal man remains on the books for the whole of the season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Cole said: "I think Giroud has been different class and is a massively important part of the squad.

"Frank would love to keep him and Chelsea are in a position where if they don't want him to go he doesn't have to go as he signed a contract. He'll have a big part to play in what will be a successful year for Chelsea."

Giroud is currently in the final year of his deal with Chelsea, where he boasts 30 goals in 96 games since making the switch across the capital from Arsenal in 2018.