Giroud snubbed Blues for Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has revealed he turned down Chelsea to sign for their close Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The France international completed his move to the Emirates Stadium from Montpellier on Monday for a reported fee of 15 million euros, after playing a key role in the Ligue 1 side’s title-winning 2011-12 campaign.

But Giroud, whose contract with Arsenal will commence on July 1, admitted the Gunners were not the only Premier League side to show a concrete interest in acquiring his services.

Fellow London outfit Chelsea have been scouring the market for a replacement for striker Didier Drogba and it has emerged that owner Roman Abramovich wanted to bring the 25-year-old striker to Stamford Bridge.

Giroud revealed to TF1: “The choice was between Chelsea and Arsenal. I chose Arsenal because of the club’s philosophy and stability.

“It is something that means a lot for me. I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and Arsenal are a great club with many French players.”