Arsenal are reportedly ready to part ways with Olivier Giroud, but only if Chelsea lodge in a bid of £35 million for the French international.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea have received encouragement in their pursuit of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. The Gunners are set to land Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and are, in turn, ready to part with their Frenchman, should Chelsea meet the Arsenal’s £35 million asking price for the forward.
Arsenal have been locked in talks to land Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the last few days. And incoming reports suggest that the Gunners have been able to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the clinical finisher, which will result in more competition for places upfront.
Olivier Giroud has been one of the most highly appreciated players from the Arsenal fan base. The Frenchman has a more than decent record of 73 goals and 27 assists in 173 Premier League matches, despite always being touted as a player Arsenal need an upgrade for.
Alexandre Lacazette’s arrival in the summer saw his minutes marginalised. But, the Frenchman has still been effective, with 7 goals in just over 1200 minutes of football this season. Also, with Aubameyang now due to arrive at Arsenal, Giroud could be looking to move if he wishes to secure regular football.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s pending arrival means Arsenal will allow Olivier Giroud to move to Chelsea should their London neighbours meet the 31-year-old’s £35m valuation. (Source: Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/t62MWa03Wh
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 29, 2018
Chelsea have been looking to reinforce their attack with a striker who has definitive aerial prowess. The Blues have been linked to the likes of Edin Dzeko, Peter Crouch, Ashley Barnes and Andy Carroll, which shows that they would prefer a striker who has previous experience of Premier League football.
Olivier Giroud, unlike others, is still on top of his game, is still in the Premier League and has been proving his quality on a regular basis for a top club like Arsenal.
Normally, a transfer to see an Arsenal player go to a rival – Chelsea – would be laughed at in the recent times, especially after selling Alexis Sanchez to a rival – Manchester United. But, reports suggest otherwise. According to the report, Arsenal are ready to accept a bid from Chelsea, should the Blues match their asking price for Giroud – £35 million.
Several reports also point towards Olivier Giroud being interested in a move to Chelsea, with the player and his camp hoping to remain in London. Some say that Giroud has directed his camp that he is not interested in a move to Dortmund or any other club and is keen to hear from Chelsea.
Chelsea have been facing failures in the transfer market over the past few windows. And the present window has been panning out in a rather similar way. But, Giroud’s arrival could be a potential masterstroke. And it is one that Chelsea can now secure, unlike other targets, for a definitive price of £35 million.
