Official: Chelsea sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal

For the first time in over 10 years, Chelsea have signed a player from Arsenal. Circumstances are a bit less controversial this time than when Ashley Cole made the smart move in 2006, or even when Cesc Fàbregas chose Blue in 2014.

Olivier Giroud is now a Blue, joining the likes of Ash and Cesc and Nicolas Anelka, Emmanuel Petit, Tommy Baldwin, Alan Hudson, John Hollins, George Graham, Petr Čech, and a few others in having played for both London clubs.

Giroud, who turned 31 at the start of the season, reportedly joins for £18m and signs a 1.5-year deal with Chelsea.

For Chelsea, Giroud represents the culmination of a month-long search for a new backup striker. He’s certainly not the worst outcome and an argument could be made the he’s the best Chelsea could have done this month. He’s certainly preferable to the likes of Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch and comes with a lower financial commitment than Edin Dzeko.

Giroud represented the Gunners 253 times, scoring 105 goals. That’s certainly a decent ratio and one we’ll be hoping he can replicate in a Chelsea shirt.

Welcome, big man. Let’s win some things!