Report: Chelsea set to clinch £18M signing of Giroud

Olivier Giroud is reportedly primed to join Chelsea.

Giroud is to join Chelsea for £18 million, reports The Telegraph's Matt Law, paving the way for Arsenal to complete the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The French striker is apparently poised for the move across London after the Blues found a breakthrough in negotiations, while the Gunners can finish the signing of Aubameyang, who travelled to the capital city on Tuesday. Michy Batshuayi will allegedly join Borussia Dortmund on loan as a replacement.

According to the Guardian's David Hytner, Giroud was touted as a makeweight in Arsenal's deal for Aubameyang, but the product of Grenoble Foot 38 wanted to stay in London. Having started just one Premier League game this season, he apparently prioritised the opportunity for more playing time before the 2018 World Cup.

Dortmund reportedly permitted Aubameyang to travel to London to undergo a medical and finish hammering out the details of a deal valued at £60 million, but indicated the transfer wouldn't be signed until a replacement was found.

Similarly, Chelsea allegedly wanted to send away Batshuayi, but wouldn't do so without a replacement who could share some of first-choice centre-forward Alvaro Morata's burden.