giroud

Arsenal ‘resistant’ to Chelsea interest in star striker

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of striker Olivier Giroud, although his club Arsenal are said to be strongly resistant to the move, according to reports in the London Evening Standard

The Gunners sealed the transfer of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang today. Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger, has admitted recently that Giroud would only be allowed leave if they signed another striker themselves.

However, he does not want the player to move to Chelsea, as he is aware of the potential fan backlash if the club sell’s another player to a top-six rival, having already sanctioned the transfer of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United earlier in the window.

The France international striker is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge as his family would like to stay in London, something that caused him to turn down a move to Everton last summer, and also stopped any chance of him moving to Germany as part of the Aubameyang deal.

Giroud joined Arsenal from French side Montpellier in 2012, and has scored over 100 goals during his time in England. He certainly fits the target-man profile that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte seems intent on signing this month.

Like so many other players at the moment Giroud is keen on a move in order to secure first-team football ahead of this summers World Cup in Russia.