Why Arsenal's Leading Scorer Was Sold To Chelsea? Wenger Gives Reasons

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has explained the rationale behind the decision to sell the top scorer in the squad, Olivier Giroud, to a rival club Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The France national-teamer started only game in the Premier League this season prior to his move to Stamford Bridge, and Wenger has revealed that the striker had to join Chelsea before the club could land Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.

''Ideally you want him to go to clubs who do not compete with you, but on the other hand it was a bit linked to the Aubameyang deal,'' Wenger told the written press at a press conference on Friday.

''He’s just had a third baby it was a bit difficult for his family to leave London. We owe Giroud a lot, it was difficult to turn it down because it was a rival club. ''

Wenger added : ''He was massively popular inside the dressing room and club, it was sad for all the players to go.

''Olivier wanted more playing time, he has not played many Premier League games, he wants to go to the World Cup, that’s why I opened the door.''

Olivier Giroud scored 105 goals in 253 appearances for Arsenal before joining Chelsea on deadline day.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com