Edin Dzeko's proposed move called off, Arsenal reveal the condition on which Olivier Giroud can be signed: Chelsea transfer news - January 29, 2018

Chelsea FC v AS Roma - UEFA Champions League
Edin Dzeko hands Chelsea a major transfer blow

The January transfer window is in its last two days of action with Antonio Conte still looking intensively for reinforcements. Chelsea are linked with a number of players but until now, only one player has signed on the dotted line. On that note, let's take a look at all the transfer stories concerning Chelsea that made the news on January 29, 2018:


Edin Dzeko's proposed move is off

According to the Daily Star, talks have broken down between Chelsea and AS Roma concerning the transfer of Edin Dzeko. Conte's search for a striker was supposedly going to end with the Bosnian hitman but disagreement over a transfer fee and personal terms have led Chelsea to call off their pursuit.

After an extensive striker search which included some rather shocking names such as Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch, Ashley Barnes, and Ismail Slimani, Chelsea had thought that Edin Dzeko would be the man to end Conte's quest for a striker. It was reported that Chelsea were even ready to break their transfer policy and offer Dzeko a long-term deal despite the player being on the wrong side of 30.

But it does not seem to be the case now. Chelsea will need to move fast if they are to secure a striker this January but may decide against any panic buy at the last moment.

Some positive news, though: Despite Dzeko's no-show, a deal for Emerson Palmieri is set to go forward as expected.

Arsenal ready to let Olivier Giroud leave for £35 million

Arsenal v Newcastle United - Premier League
Giroud is set to take a short trip from North to West London

Continuing on Chelsea's striker trail, the Blues have received a green light to sign Arsenal's Olivier Giroud. With a pursuit of Edin Dzeko proving to be taxing and time-consuming and eventually being called off, Chelsea have now shifted their focus towards Giroud.

Multiple reports stating that Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang - with Borussia Dortmund ready to sell the forward for around £60 million. Meanwhile, Dortmund do not want Giroud in return which has paved the way for Chelsea to become the favourites for the Frenchman.

Giroud is desperate for a move as a place in the World Cup squad remains hanging in the balance. The Daily Mail understands that Arsenal are ready to let him leave but only if their valuation of £35 million is met. Chelsea are ready to make an official bid for the target man and his availability in the Champions League has further made Antonio Conte sure of taking him on board.

Michy Batshuayi set to join Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea v Newcastle United - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Off to Dortmund

Chelsea and Arsenal's striker merry go round is set to be completed with Michy Batshuayi set to join Borussia Dortmund which will further pave the way for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to join Arsenal. As stated earlier, the Gunners are close to agreeing on a deal for Aubameyang but the German giants are looking to sign a replacement before giving Arsenal the green light.

Dortmund have requested Chelsea to let Michy Batshuayi leave on a six-month loan spell, the Mirror reports. The Belgian striker has mainly featured in cup competitions this season and despite scoring two yesterday in the FA Cup, his future at Stamford Bridge still remains uncertain.

Talking after the win over Newcastle United, Conte admitted that Batshuayi may leave Chelsea before deadline day. He said, "There is a World Cup this summer and every player wants to play to try to push for the competition. If the club decides to add another player, I don't know if Michy wants to stay or go on loan. This is a player decision, not mine. I want to continue to work with my players."

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