OFFICIAL: Chelsea sign Giroud from Arsenal

Olivier Giroud was allowed to leave Arsenal after the Gunners completed the £56million signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earlier on Deadline Day.

Antonio Conte was in the market for a target man but Giroud's transfer had earlier reached an impasse as talks between Arsenal and Chelsea broke down over the fee.

However, Wenger's willingness to help Giroud achieve his move is understood to have been a key factor in seeing the France international complete a £18million switch to Stamford Bridge, which includes a transfer fee of £15.3m with £2.2m in bonuses.

"I took him from Montpellier and made him a strong international player for France. We have come together through good and bad but always his behaviour was top, top class," Wenger said after Giroud's final game for Arsenal. The Frenchman's arrival has seen Batshuayi leave for Dortmund.

After five-and-a-half years at the Emirates, Giroud underwent a medical for the Blues on Wednesday morning before making the move across London. The 31-year-old has signed an 18-month contract with the option of a further year.

Chelsea Football Club has today completed the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.

Full story https://t.co/XDqSwzsZmO#GiroudIsBlue pic.twitter.com/5d1sRuBNrB

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 31 de enero de 2018

Giroud, who will wear No 18, said upon his unveiling: "Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. They have won maybe the most trophies in the last six or seven years. It’s a massive club and I am proud to sign for Chelsea, and I’m looking forward to playing."

@_OlivierGiroud_#GiroudIsBlue pic.twitter.com/Ep6Hrhc9AR

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 31 January 2018