Frenchman Oliver Giroud has left Arsenal to join Premier League rivals Chelsea for a fee of around £18 million.
The striker’s move from north to west London was confirmed hours after the Gunners completed a club-record transfer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
Giroud joined Arsenal in the summer of 2012 after two seasons with Ligue 1 side Montpellier, where he scored 39 goals in 85 appearances.
The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and has been restricted to just one Premier league start this season.
He came on for the final 15 minutes of their 3-1 loss last night (Tuesday) but couldn’t help the club for one last time.
Giroud leaves the Emirates Stadium after scoring 105 goals in 253 appearances for the Gunners.
The striker becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the window, joining midfielder Ross Barkley and left-back Emerson Palmieri at Stamford Bridge, and will wear the number 18 shirt.
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