Arsene Wenger praises Olivier Giroud for his 'service' to Arsenal ahead of expected Chelsea switch

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed as an Arsenal player, and Michy Batshuayi undergoing his Dortmund medical this morning, the path has been cleared for Giroud to join Chelsea

Olivier Giroud claps the travelling fans after Arsenal's defeat at Swansea (Getty)

Arsene Wenger has praised Olivier Giroud for his “service” to Arsenal ahead of the forward’s expected move to Chelsea.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed as an Arsenal player earlier today, and Michy Batshuayi undergoing his Borussia Dortmund medical this morning, the path has been cleared for the Frenchman to join rivals Chelsea.

Giroud made a 15-minute appearance in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at Swansea on Tuesday night, despite a £18m fee, plus add-ons, being agreed to between the two clubs.

In the wake of Arsenal’s defeat in south Wales, Wenger paid tribute to Giroud who clapped the travelling fans in an apparent goodbye after the final whistle at the Liberty Stadium.

“It's a tribute to Olivier (that he played) because he is a guy who gave great service to the club, he never let us down on the commitment front and saved us many times,” Wenger said.

“I have absolutely no doubt, when I ask him if he is ready to commit and he says yes. I have no problem with that and put him on because it was needed. Unfortunately he couldn't help us.

“I took him from Montpellier and made him a strong international player for France. We have come together through good and bad but always his behaviour was top, top class.”