Chelsea plotting shock January swoop for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud?

Chelsea are allegedly planning to launch a shock bid for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud in January.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to secure the Frenchman's services to create competition for places in his attack, according to Don Balon.

Giroud was strongly linked with a move away from Arsenal over the summer with Everton touted as a likely destination, although a move to Merseyside eventually fell through.

Chelsea have only two recognised strikers in Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi, and Conte is said to be eager to boost his options up front.

Giroud is not the only forward Arsenal could lose in January, with recent reports suggesting that Manchester City may launch a fresh bid for Alexis Sanchez when the transfer window reopens.