French striker Giroud joins Arsenal
Reuters - Tuesday 26 June 2012, 10:27
France striker Olivier Giroud
has joined Arsenal on a "long-term contract" after leaving Ligue
1 champions Montpellier.
The 25-year-old completed a medical on Monday and his
contract officially starts on July 1, the north London team said
on their website on Tuesday.
"The completion of the transfer is now just the subject of
formal processes," said Arsenal who finished third in the
Premier League last season to secure a place in the Champions
League.
The club did not disclose the transfer fee but media reports
said it was around 12 million pounds.
Giroud helped France reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012
in Poland and Ukraine.
His 21 goals from 36 league games made him joint top scorer
in the French league last season with Paris Saint-Germain's Nene.
"We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier
Giroud," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in
the air with a great work ethic," added the Frenchman.
"We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an
additional dimension to our attacking options next season."
Giroud said it had been a dream of his to play in the
Premier League.
"I am delighted to be part of one of the great teams in
English football," he said. "I was attracted by the philosophy
of football here and Arsene Wenger's 'touch' at this club.
"I now hope to achieve great things. I'm very proud to be a
Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans."