Monaco tested the water over Olivier Giroud, but the player made clear his priority is joining Chelsea, according to French sports daily L'Equipe.

The Gunners are close to signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borrusia Dortmund, who were interested in snapping up Giroud.




But the Frenchman reportedly wants to remain in London and has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Chelsea.

It is believed that the Blues even put forward a bid for Giroud, but they took it off the table yesterday morning even though Arsenal accepted it as they felt the Gunners took too long to respond.
 


Amidst Chelsea’s interest in Giroud, Monaco took a moment to test the water over a swoop.

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But it was made clear to the Ligue 1 champions that Giroud's main priority is staying in London and joining Chelsea.

It remains to be seen if Monaco return to the table to try to convince Giroud to return to France, but the principality club look to be well behind in the race for his signature.