Chelsea have announced the signing of Olivier Giroud from London rivals Arsenal on an 18-month contract.
The Blues were linked to a host of strikers during the window and were believed to be close to signing Edin Dzeko from Roma before the move collapsed.
They have instead added 31-year-old Frenchman Giroud with the forward signing a contract until 2019 with an option for a further year.
The fee is reported to be £17.5 million and Arsenal have already signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
Giroud, who over 100 goals for Arsenal in all competitions, will wear the No.18 shirt.
Giroud told the club’s website: “Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. They have won maybe the most trophies in the last six or seven years. It’s a massive club and I am proud to sign for Chelsea, and I’m looking forward to playing.”
Club director Marina Granovskaia added “Olivier is a proven talent at the top level and we are very pleased to call him a Chelsea player.
He has scored goals regularly throughout his career and is well accustomed to English football and the Premier League. We are sure he will be a fantastic signing.”
The signing completes a busy transfer window for the club which has seen Ross Barkley and Emerson Palmieri also join.
Dortmund have also confirmed the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from the Blues on loan until the end of the season.
Discussion about this post