Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to plead with striker Olivier Giroud not to join Chelsea after recent speculation he could move to their London rivals.
Giroud has emerged as a surprise target for the Blues in recent days as manager Antonio Conte continues his search for a striker before the end of the January transfer window this evening.
Conte is thought to be a big admirer of the Frenchman, and wants him to provide back-up for first choice striker Alvaro Morata, who has struggled for form in recent months.
Any move for the France international however is to depend on Arsenal’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon star has been heavily rumoured to be on his way The Emirates in a deal worth over £55 million, however in another twist to the ongoing saga, Dortmund will only let Aubameyang go if they can find a replacement.
Merry-go-round: Giroud was lined up to replace Aubameyang at Dortmund then got offer from Chelsea & was keen, so Dortmund turned to Batshuayi. But Chelsea baulked at Giroud fee so discussed Batshuayi/Llorente swap with Spurs, which nobody agreed on. Deadlock #AFC #BVB #CFC THFC pic.twitter.com/HA6ymZ6IiN
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 29, 2018
In a strange twist of fate, the trio of clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and Dortmund – now find themselves in a three-way tussle for their three strikers.
Dortmund want either Giroud or Blues star Michy Batshauyi to replace Aubameyang; while Chelsea want Giroud to replace Batshauyi; and Arsenal of course want Aubameyang to replace Giroud.
Confused yet?
Arsenal fans however do not want to see fan-favourite Giroud leave The Emirates, especially not to their fellow Londoners …
https://twitter.com/GoonerGordo2/status/958046750794756096
No one will be more happier than me when we sign Aubameyang but I will not be happy if we sell or loan Giroud to Chelsea when we was desperate for a forward Chelsea wouldn’t let us have Demba Ba @Arsenal take note #ruthless
— Lee Judges (@leemarkjudges) January 29, 2018
Giroud to Chelsea would hurt more than Alexis to Manchester United.
— Satyam Arya (@satyamarya05) January 29, 2018
Reports coming out that we’re unwilling to let Giroud join Chelsea, GOOD! If his wife wants to stay in London he will have to go West Ham
— MR DT (@MrDtAFC) January 29, 2018
Chelsea considering alternatives to Dzeko. I just can't understand why Arsenal would allow Olivier Giroud to join Chelsea this month – remember Demba Ba?
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/FFArsenal/status/958048124559396866
https://twitter.com/MrDtAFC/status/958058383025766400
https://twitter.com/moleyfootball/status/958051280794120192
You're selling Giroud to Chelsea and Hazard is not at the Emirates playing piano? Are you people mad? @Arsenal
— Bryan Tosin (@olatostar) January 29, 2018