Chelsea prise Giroud away from London rivals Arsenal

 

Chelsea have announced the arrival of Olivier Giroud from London rivals Arsenal in a deal worth an initial £15.3m.

 

The France international is Chelsea's third signing this month and second in as many days after the Blues unveiled new defender Emerson Palmieri on Tuesday night.

 

Antonio Conte has been desperate to sign a target man all month and has finally landed one after being linked with the likes of Andy Carroll, Ashley Barnes, Peter Crouch and Edin Dzeko in the past. 

 

"Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the Premier League," Giroud told the club's official website. "They have won maybe the most trophies in the last six or seven years. It's a massive club and I'm proud to sign for Chelsea, and I'm looking forward to playing."

 

Giroud, who has signed an 18-month deal with Chelsea, dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal in the last few years and was open to leaving this month in a bid to find more regular playing time.

 

With the 2018 World Cup around the corner, Giroud knew his starting spot for France would have been in serious doubt had he remained at Arsenal.

 

Chelsea prise Giroud away from London rivals Arsenal

 

Giroud, who came off the bench in Arsenal's 3-1 defeat away to Swansea on Tuesday, has only started one league game this season, making a further 15 substitute appearances.

 

The Frenchman should prove the perfect Plan B for Chelsea and sufficiently satisfy Conte's desire for a target man.

 

In the last three seasons, Giroud has scored more goals as a substitute than any other Premier League player (13).