Done deal: Chelsea confirm Olivier Giroud shirt number, contract details after £18m move

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Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, with reports suggesting that he has joined in a deal worth £18m.

The 31-year-old scored 105 goals in 253 games for the Gunners in five-and-a-half seasons with the club, but he has now swapped his allegiance to west London and will link up with Antonio Conte’s side.

According to The Sun, Chelsea have spent £18m to prise him away from Arsenal, and it evidently addresses a key problem in the squad with a lack of firepower hurting them this month.

Summer signing Alvaro Morata has gone six games without a goal in all competitions, and without a great deal of competition or cover behind him, the need for reinforcements was clear.

Giroud will certainly now provide that, although he’ll be desperate to force his way into a starting berth having only started two Premier League games this season for Arsenal.

The Frenchman does offer a different dynamic in attack, as with his physicality, aerial prowess and ability to link things up, he’ll give Conte an alternative plan if required.

While Morata likes to get in behind defences, Giroud can come short or simply be a presence in the box, and that will certainly make Chelsea a better all-round squad.

As per Chelsea’s official site, Giroud will wear the No.18 shirt at Stamford Bridge, while he has inked an 18-month contract with the Blues.

Chelsea will certainly be hoping that he can now make an instant impact, with his experience in the Premier League noted on several occasions in their media release to suggest that it’s a crucial factor in their decision to sign him.

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