Olivier Giroud has now emerged as the main striker target for Chelsea, and they are close to agreeing terms with the both Arsenal and the player.
Chelsea have scouring the market looking to provide Antonio Conte for extra attacking options to first choice Alvaro Morata and Giroud is now their top target, and sources believe a deal is just about done.
I understand that Giroud had made it clear to Arsenal that he did not want to leave London, should he leave Arsenal – so the move across the capital to Chelsea is a perfect fit for him and his familty.
Chelsea came close to landing Edin Dzeko earlier this month, but the deal collapsed over personal terms, whilst talks for a number of other forwards including Fernando Llorente, Solomon Rondon, Christian Benteke and Peter Crouch have failed to materialise.
Now Giroud is looking increasingly like the man who Chelsea will get – with Bookmakers now odds-on that the deal will happen, PaddyPower are quoting him at 3/10 to turn up at Stamford Bridge which is over 75% probability.
Arsenal are sanctioning the move as they are bringing in Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a club record fee, and the Gabon star is already in North London.
The circle of the whole situation could be complete by Chelsea allowing their out-of-favour striker Michy Batusuayi – to replace Aubameyang in-time for Wedneday’s deadline.