Chelsea close to £18million Olivier Giroud deal which paves way for Arsenal to sign Pierre-Emerick AubameyangThe France forward could join the Blues in a deal that could send Michy Batshuayi to Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea believe they have struck an £18m deal to sign Olivier Giroud.And that will pave the way for Arsenal to complete a £60m deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Chelsea have held extensive talks with Arsenal who have been reluctant to deal with a top four rival but finally caved in to help Aubameyang happen.It means Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is set to go to Borussia Dortmund to replace Aubameyang.
Aubameyang, 28, is in London and will have a medical on Wednesday to complete and sign a £180,000–week contract.Giroud wanted to stay in London and Chelsea appeals but the sticking price has been the price but the club’s are now ready to push it through.
Dortmund wanted Giroud and Arsenal had wanted £30m for the striker but have compromised to get the deal done.
Aubameyang is at Arsenal's training ground as the Gabonese striker closes in on a move from Borussia Dortmund.
The Gabonese striker jetted into Luton Airport as he bids to secure his transfer to the Gunners.
Aubameyang is set to move for a fee in the region of £60million as Arsenal look to replace the goals lost by selling Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
With Olivier Giroud heading for the exit, Batshuayi could now join Dortmund as the transfer merry-go-round hot up.
Aubameyang will earn £180,000-a-week at Arsenal should the deal go through before tomorrow night's deadline.
He was pictured arriving at the airport at midday on Tuesday before catching a flight to London, where he landed around 2pm.
The forward will thrash out personal terms and undergo a medical but Arsenal are expecting negotiations to drag into the final day of the window.
Dortmund will not sanction the deal until they have a replacement.
Their No1 target now Batshuayi but Chelsea will not let him go unless they get Giroud.
Arsenal do not want to do business with a direct rival but may be forced into doing a deal to get the Aubameyang transfer over the line.
Dortmund have until February 2 to complete a deal for his replacement with the German window open until Friday.
Arsenal fans have been growing increasingly excited about Aubameyang's arrival with the striker seen as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who joined Manchester United earlier this month.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-close-18million-olivier-giroud-11940460
