giroud

Arsenal agree £18m Giroud sale in order to complete Aubameyang signing

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sell Olivier Giroud in a way to get the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the line.

The Gabon international jetted into London Luton airport this afternoon and was whisked straight to Arsenal’s training ground to finalise the details of his transfer and complete a medical. However, the deal has not yet been rubber stamped by Borussia Dortmund who are keen to sign a replacement before letting Aubameyang leave.

The Bundesliga side have identified both Giroud, and Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi as potential replacements for Aubameyang, although Sky Sports reported five days ago that that Giroud would not be moving to the German club.

Then, reports in recent days added Giroud to the long list of strikers who have been linked with a move to Chelsea. The Blues are known to want to sign a strong and tall target man as an alternative to Alvaro Morata, who has struggled at times during his debut campaign.

Arsenal were reluctant to sell to another one of their key players to a Premier League rival, having already allowed Alexis Sanchez to join Manchester United last week.

However, a wide number of reports tonight now indicate that Arsenal have agreed to sell Giroud to the reigning Premier League champions in a cut price £18m deal.

Arsenal had been hoping to receive in excess of £30m for the Frenchman, but have dropped their asking price in a bid to move the deal for Aubameyang along.

Giroud, who has been named of the Arsenal bench for tonight’s game against Swansea City, is believed to have already verbally agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is due to undergo a medical on Wednesday morning. Once he is confirmed as a Chelsea player, that will free Batshuayi to move to Borussia Dortmund on loan, and in turn, allow the German club to sanction Aubameyang’s £55m transfer to the Gunners.