GIROUD CLOSE TO CHELSEA AGREEMENT

Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Olivier Giroud as Arsenal seek to ensure they complete a club-record signing for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before tomorrow's deadline, writes James Olley.

The Gunners have agreed a fee in the region of £55million with Borussia Dortmund for Aubameyang, who arrived at London Colney this afternoon after flying in from Germany.

The 28-year-old is expected to undergo a medical either tonight or in the morning with Arsenal desperate to ensure everything is in place once Dortmund finally sanction the deal.

That depends on Dortmund finding a replacement and it appears Arsenal have caved on their £30m asking price- and manager Arsene Wenger's reluctance to sell to a rival - by discussing the possibility of Giroud joining Chelsea.

Talks between the two clubs have continued for several hours today and Chelsea are hopeful of agreeing a fee between £18m and £20m for the Frenchman, who is keen on staying in London and desperate for first-team football in a World Cup year.

Giroud's proposed switch to Stamford Bridge would enable Dortmund to move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who has fallen out of favour under Blues boss Antonio Conte.

Confirmation of Batshuayi's arrival would then in turn give Arsenal the green light from Dortmund to sign Aubameyang.