Olivier Giroud Sale Reportedly Key to Arsenal Securing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal are reportedly close to selling Olivier Giroud to rivals Chelsea in order to push through a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before Wednesday's transfer deadline. 

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea and Arsenal are nearing an £18 million deal for Giroud.

Previously, John Cross of the Daily Mirror noted Dortmund are not willing to let Aubameyang depart until they have secured a replacement for him.

One of those players being considered by the Bundesliga side is Blues forward Michy Batshuayi, although Chelsea are also reported to be reluctant to let a forward go without adding cover themselves. Giroud is on their radar after a deal fell through for AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko.

"It has set up a frantic last 48 hours of the transfer window, with Arsenal still sweating on Aubameyang even though the player is desperate to move to the Emirates," Cross wrote. He reported Arsenal have already agreed terms with the Gabon international on a contract worth £180,000 per week.

Meanwhile, BBC Sport's David Ornstein offered an update on the situation that could see a number of strikers change clubs in January:

For Arsenal, letting someone such as the 31-year-old depart for another London club in competition for a top-four spot would be a big blow.

Giroud, after all, is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium despite being on the fringes of the first team for much of the campaign. The France international has only started one game in the Premier League this season, with Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck and previously Alexis Sanchez ahead of him.

Talk of a January exit doesn't come as much of a surprise with that in mind, although a move to the Blues would be a shock. As BT Sport Score noted, Giroud offers an aerial presence at the point of the attack:

Arsenal appear desperate to sign Aubameyang before the transfer window closes, as they look to fill the void from Sanchez's departure to Manchester United.

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The 28-year-old is different in style to Giroud, with his primary asset being his blistering pace. Aubameyang has been much more prolific than the Arsenal striker over the years and at this point would be considered an upgrade on the Frenchman.

As these numbers from OptaJoe illustrate, Aubameyang has been one of the standout players in German football since his arrival:

In an ideal world, the Gunners would not move Giroud on to Chelsea, as those associated with the team will know how effective he can be.

However, it appears manager Arsene Wenger views Aubameyang as a crucial part of his attacking plan for the remainder of the season and beyond. And if Giroud heading to Stamford Bridge sets some dominoes in motion to see the Dortmund man arrive at the Emirates, the sale may be a deal worth approving.