Soccer:Arsenal has confirmed the signing of striker Olivier Giroud from Montpellier. Giroud, part of France's Euro 2012 squad which was knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday, joins on a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be £13million.
The 25-year-old scored 25 goals to help Montpellier win their first Ligue 1 title last season, and will now aim to make an impact in the Barclays Premier League. Giroud, whose contract with Arsenal will officially commence on July 1, said on the club's official website: "I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football.
"It's a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it's been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League. I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsène Wenger's 'touch' at this club.
"I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I'm very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans."
Giroud jetted into London earlier this week and the finer details of his transfer, which Arsenal maintain is "now just the subject of formal processes", were completed on Monday night after the player agreed personal terms and underwent a medical.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger feels the promising Frenchman will bring another dimension to his squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany marksman Lukas Podolski.
"Olivier has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic," Wenger said. "We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season. He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier's championship-winning side last season. We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt."
Arsenal could also now resurrect interest in Yann M'Vila after Champions League finalists Bayern Munich cooled their interest in the Rennes midfielder. The Gunners set to look to offload some of their fringe players, such as Morocco international Marouane Chamakh, Mexico forward Carlos Vela, Brazilian midfielder Denilson and Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner - who is attracting "global interest" according to his representative.
Fulham, meanwhile, are reported to be ready to step up their interest in a £5million move for Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey following the departure of their captain Danny Murphy to Blackburn. Bendtner spent last season on loan at Sunderland.
