Giroud: Top clubs wanted me

Olivier Giroud says Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Roma were keen to secure his signature before his Deadline Day move to Chelsea.

The Frenchman was convinced by Antonio Conte to remain in London and the Premier League and sign for the reigning champions.

But Giroud found himself in demand as the window drew to a close, with interest made clear from La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A.

After becoming a Chelsea player, Giroud spoke to Telefoot in France, where he revealed the potential destinations he could have been playing his football.

“I had an offer from Dortmund, but they wanted a loan. Sevilla were interested, Roma contacted my agent. But when Conte told me he was counting on me, my choice was made,” said the 31-year-old.

Giroud admits Conte was the main factor behind his £18m switch.

“My choice was quite clear and obvious when I knew that Antonio Conte wanted to work with me. I know that Conte appreciates my profile, we work well together.

“I spoke to [France manager] Didier Deschamps about my situation. He did not tell me to join Chelsea, just to change club,” he said.

Arsenal were willing to allow Giroud to move on following their Deadline Day acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.

“The fact is that the coach wanted to recruit a new forward striker [Aubameyang] with his signing at Arsenal, it was three top strikers, and that’s why I decided to leave.

“I could have stayed, but I needed some solutions to get back in. I wanted to stay in the Premier League and Chelsea was a great opportunity for me,” Giroud added.