Chelsea Transfer Rumors 2018: Blues Interested in Arsenal's Olivier Giroud

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Saturday, January 27, 2018

As of the moment, Roma's Edin Džeko remains Chelsea's top choice in their quest to sign a tall striker. However, they reportedly have an interesting backup option if the deal to bring the Bosnian forward to Stamford Bridge falls apart.

According to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, Chelsea are considering making a move to sign Arsenal's Olivier Giroud.

"The Arsenal striker has been expected to make a loan switch to Borussia Dortmund. But that appears in danger of breaking down with the German club unable to agree a deal with the Gunners for £65million-rated frontman Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to go the other way," Lewis said in his report.

"Chelsea, themselves in advanced talks with Roma frontman Edin Dzeko, have Giroud among their many options as Antonio Conte hunts a powerful forward to compete with Alvaro Morata," he added.

It should be noted that Chelsea and Arsenal's bitter rivalry has not prevented players from moving from one club to another. Goalkeeper Petr Čech moved from Chelsea to Arsenal in 2015, and Ashley Cole made his controversial switch from north to west London in 2006.

Stars like Cesc Fàbregas, William Gallas and Nicolas Anelka have played for both clubs as well in recent years, and former Blues midfielder Yossi Benayoun even went on a season-long loan to Arsenal in 2011.

In any case, Giroud is definitely better than Stoke City's Peter Crouch, West Ham United's Andy Carroll and Burnley's Ashley Barnes, and he's out to prove that he's still one of the best strikers in the Premier League after being relegated to a reserve role this season.

The French forward can be a capable backup up front for Álvaro Morata.

However, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is unlikely to let Giroud leave unless they can find a replacement. That means he may not be available if the Gunners fail to land Aubameyang.