Former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola has tipped Olivier Giroud to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman made the controversial choice to join one of Arsenal's London rivals on transfer deadline day in a deal that cost a reported £18m.

Giroud spent five-and-a-half years at the Emirates, but dropped down the pecking order in recent seasons and was restricted to just one Premier League start in the current campaign.

Antonio Conte's hunt for a powerful striker led the Chelsea boss to the 31-year-old, who will likely act as back-up to Alvaro Morata.

Giroud had to watch from the stands on Wednesday night as the West London club suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on home soil.

Zola, who played for the Blues between 1996 and 2003, believes that Giroud could prove to be an asset in Conte's team.

"Giroud is certainly a player who can make an impact," the Italian told talkSPORT. "For example, yesterday he would have made a big difference because of the type of game Chelsea had to play. He has the qualities.

"He can also certainly help Morata and allow him to take a breather during games. I think he can be successful at Chelsea."

Giroud could make his debut in Monday's Premier League trip to Watford.