Chelsea have completed the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, for a fee of £15m. The French target man moves after featuring almost exclusively as a substitute this season. At 31 years old ahead of a World Cup, Giroud is seeking out first team football. But with Arsenal finalizing a deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Giroud found his way out the door. The Frenchman signs until 2019, with a club option to extend for one year. He will wear the number 18.
Welcome to Chelsea, @_OlivierGiroud_! 👍#GiroudIsBlue pic.twitter.com/rY1VRsgyYk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 31, 2018
Giroud has found himself on the outside looking in this season. But even as a substitute, Giroud has scored every 130 minutes. His ability to hold the ball up and link up with attacking players underneath him will be a terrific asset for the Blues. Eden Hazard must be a happy man. Giroud is Chelsea’s third signing of the window, after the completion of Emerson Palmieri yesterday, and Ross Barkley earlier this month.
Olivier Giroud Signs for Chelsea
Giroud has struggled for time this year. He came close to a departure to Everton this summer, but was too fond of London to leave. But with Lacazette absorbing the majority of starting minutes, the role of the French target man diminished. Still, Giroud clocked in at seven goals in 900 minutes, better than any other Arsenal attacker this year.
A powerful header of the ball, Giroud’s game is multifaceted. He is capable of connecting with his attackers, while bullying center backs at the same time. Given Chelsea’s very public desire for a target man, his ability to hold up play and link up is a big asset to Antonio Conte. Giroud has struggled to score consistently in the past, but Morata is expected to be the main striker. With Giroud making an impact off the bench, this could be a recipe for success in the second half of the season.
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