Arsenal: Catching up with the January exits

Olivier Giroud to Chelsea (£17.5M)

Olivier Giroud was a polarizing player at Arsenal, but every supporter can agree that it is tough to see him dawn the Chelsea blue. His move to Chelsea played an important role in the acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, and with little opportunity to play at Arsenal, it was only fair to let Giroud get first-team football elsewhere.

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Arsène Wenger explained his decision to allow Giroud move to Chelsea, highlighting Giroud’s outstanding service for the club and desire to stay in London as his family is welcoming a newborn to the family.

Antonio Conte has complained, almost incessantly, about Chelsea’s inability to acquire the players he asks for and it isn’t clear whether Giroud is one of Conte’s explicit choices. Giroud is a target-man striker, which is a type of striker Conte likes to have in his teams, and Conte has used players like Fernando Llorente, Simone Zaza and Mario Mandzukic, all of a similar in style and build to Giroud in the past.

Giroud has started two games. He has tallied three assists and one goal in those two appearances. Chelsea’s opposition were bottom of the table West Brom and Championship side Hull City, but there are early signs of chemistry building between Giroud and his new teammates, especially Eden Hazard. Giroud has not been trusted in Chelsea’s biggest game so far — unused against Barcelona and given 12 minutes against Manchester United — but with Chelsea searching for solutions to their losing form, Giroud might be given a chance in upcoming matches.