Arsenal team news: Giroud named on bench despite Chelsea agreement

Arsene Wenger has named Olivier Giroud in Arsenal’s squad for tonight’s clash against Swansea despite reports Chelsea have agreed an £18m fee for his services.

Giroud is widely expected to join Chelsea ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline, paving the way for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to complete his £60m move to the Emirates.

Aubameyang flew into London earlier on Tuesday to undergo his medical with Arsenal ahead of a club-record deal for the Gunners, but a deal will not be sanctioned by Dortmund until they had a replacement in place.

However, Giroud’s agreement with Chelsea has accelerated Michy Batshuayi’s exit from Stamford Bridge and it has since emerged the Belgium international has agreed terms with Peter Stoger’s side ahead of a loan deal until the end of the season.

As for Giroud, the 31-year-old was always due to be included in the squad after travelling to Wales with the rest of the Arsenal team before an agreement with Chelsea was struck.

The France international could bid farewell to the travelling Arsenal supporters with an appearance from the substitute’s bench at the Liberty Stadium, but Chelsea will hope he is wrapped up in cotton wool all evening.

In the last four Premier League campaigns, Giroud has scored 15 goals as a substitute, at least seven more than any other player in the same period.