By Enock Mugabi
Chelsea have finalised the deal to sign Oliver Giroud from Arsenal for £18million.
The Gunners agreed to sell Giroud to their London rivals after wrapping up a club-record £56m deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Dortmund were prepared to sell Aubameyang once they knew they had a deal secured for Michy Batshuayi, who underwent his medical in Germany on Wednesday morning.
Signing of Giroud ends Chelsea’s frantic search for a striker this January..The 31-year-old Frenchman, who spent five-and-a-half years at Arsenal, came on for the final 15 minutes of the surprise 3-1 loss on Tuesday night even while the club ironed out the final details of his transfer.
Giroud’s transfer had earlier reached an impasse as talks between Arsenal and Chelsea broke down over the fee. However, Wenger’s willingness to help Giroud achieve his move is understood to have been a key factor.
Dortmund were refusing to sign off Aubameyang’s transfer without securing a replacement and they had also discussed signing Giroud on loan.
However, Arsenal’s desire to complete a permanent sale, plus Giroud’s determination to move across London, helped get the deal over the line.
