Chelsea delayed the announcement a bit, but Olivier Giroud finally made the trip cross-town to join the Blues.
Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, making way for Borussia Dortmund to sign Michy Batshuayi on loan from the Blues. Giroud's purchase was the last link in this chain of transfers, and the French striker couldn't be more delighted to join Antonio Conte's team.
"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," the player stated to the team's website.
Here's how Chelsea welcomed their new striker on social media.
Welcome to Chelsea, @_OlivierGiroud_! #GiroudIsBlue pic.twitter.com/rY1VRsgyYk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 31, 2018
On the other hand, Arsenal's Twitter feed decided to bid farewell to Giroud after five and a half years with a couple of tweets. The Frenchman, who will join the Blues with an 18-month contract, scored 105 goals for the Gunners since he was acquired from Montpellier.
For the scorpion kicks, the bullet headers, the late strikes, the north London derby winner, the FA Cup final assists, the 105 goals, the 253 appearances and for all the hard work and dedication, we want to say…
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 31, 2018
THANK YOU, OLIVIER GIROUD #NaNaNaNaa pic.twitter.com/myIR7FcNXs
There were mixed reactions from fans and experts once the deal was made official. Have a look at some of them.
Great to see Chelsea signed Giroud
— Dennis Wise (@denniswise) January 31, 2018
Thierry Henry famously said 'you can't win the league with Olivier Giroud'. Well Montpellier did, and next season Chelsea might too
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) January 31, 2018
Funnily enough I was saying to the lads recently that Giroud at a club that supplies him properly (as Fab / Azpi will) - will bang goals. I'm predicting 15 goals by end of season min for Giroud at Chelsea, if he starts that is.
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) January 31, 2018
Being more upset about Giroud leaving than Alexis doesn’t mean you think Giroud is better, it means things like hard work, dedication and commitment still have a place in the hearts of fans.
— Tosi (@TosiAFC) January 31, 2018
If your gripe with Giroud is “he wasn’t talented enough” you’re just ignorant.
Say what you want but Giroud was a top professional and an outstanding servant for Arsenal Football Club.
— chief (@aliladiere) January 31, 2018
Arsenal sign Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) January 31, 2018
Man City sign Laporte
Man Utd sign Sanchez
Chelsea sign Giroud and Palmieri
Tottenham sign Moura
Meanwhile over at Liverpool... pic.twitter.com/6IPi2Dc7tS