New Chelsea signing Olivier Giroud has said he is “proud” to sign for “one of the biggest teams in the Premier League”.
The Frenchman ended a five-and-a-half-year spell at London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday’s transfer deadline day by signing for the Blues.
It was part of a merry-go-round which saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join the Gunners in a club-record deal and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi replace him at Borussia Dortmund, on loan until the end of the season.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Giroud said: “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.”
Giroud’s debut could come at Watford on 5 February, while he is eligible to play in both the FA Cup and Champions League for Chelsea.
He has signed an 18-month-contract and joins compatriots N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko in the Chelsea squad.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “Olivier is a proven talent at the top level and we are very pleased to call him a Chelsea player.”