Olivier Giroud 'undergoing Chelsea medical'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 31 January 2018

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly undergoing a medical with London rivals Chelsea ahead of his proposed £18m move to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly undergoing a medical at Chelsea after the two clubs agreed an £18m fee for the Frenchman.

The Gunners completed their club-record signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earlier this morning, opening the door for Giroud to leave the club.

Chelsea were initially understood to be interested in a loan move for the 31-year-old, but the Evening Standard reports that they have now agreed an £18m permanent deal.

Arsenal have been forced to lower their original asking price of £35m in order to break the transfer merry-go-round involving Aubameyang, Giroud and Michy Batshuayi.

Giroud's expected arrival at Stamford Bridge would allow Batshuayi to join Dortmund as a replacement for Aubameyang, with the Belgian understood to have agreed terms with the Bundesliga outfit.

That move still depends on Giroud's switch to Chelsea going through, although that is expected to be completed before tonight's 11pm deadline.