Chelsea acquires Olivier Giroud from Arsenal on deadline day

Striker Olivier Giroud left Arsenal to sign with Chelsea on Wednesday after the Gunners acquired Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Borussia Dortmund also announced its decision to sign Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi until the end of the season.

Giroud, 31, joined Chelsea on an 18-month contract worth between $21.7 million and $34 million, according to Sky Sports.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the Premier League,” Giroud said in a news release from Chelsea. “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.”

Chelsea and Arsenal confirmed the move hours after the Gunners acquired Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund.

“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,” Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said in a club statement. “We are sure he will be a fantastic signing.”

The French forward signed with the Gunners in 2012. He had 105 goals in 253 appearances for Arsenal. Giroud began his senior career at Grenoble before a loan to Istres. He also had stops with Tours and Montpellier before joining Arsenal.

“I spent five and a half amazing years within the arsenal family,” Giroud tweeted Wednesday. “This beautiful story ends today. Thank you for your warm welcome. I would like to especially thank the fans for their unconditional support upon my arrival. #nananana #ThankYou.”

Giroud only appeared for Arsenal during the Europa League, meaning he is eligible for all three competitions for the Blues.

Source: Alex Butler|| UPI

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