Olivier Giroud agrees deal to join Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has been confirmed as an Arsenal player after Montpellier president Louis Nicollin revealed a deal had been completed for the in-demand France forward. The 25-year old striker completed a medical before agreeing terms at the Club’s training ground on Monday evening. The completion of the transfer is now just the subject of formal processes, said a release on the Arsenal website. Giroud arrives from French champions Montpellier, where 21 goals in 36 league appearances made him the French league’s joint top goalscorer last season. He enjoyed a two-year spell at the Stade de la Mosson and broke into the national team in November 2011. [caption id=“attachment_357613” align=“alignright” width=“380” caption=“France’s Olivier Giroud will provide the Gunners with a boost. Reuters”] [/caption] Arsène Wenger said on the Arsenal website: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. 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.” Giroud, whose contract with Arsenal will officially commence on July 1, said: “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.”