• Premier League

Wenger says Giroud deal is '90%' done

ESPN staff
June 21, 2012
Olivier Giroud is heading to Arsenal, it seems © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that a deal to sign Montpellier and France striker Olivier Giroud is "90 per cent" complete.

Giroud, who scored 25 goals for the Ligue 1 champions last season, has been strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League side in recent weeks, with the Montpellier hierarchy recently acknowledging that negotiations are ongoing.

Wenger has now confirmed that Giroud, who is part of France's squad at Euro 2012, is close to signing a deal with the Gunners - for a transfer fee widely reported to be around £12 million.

"Giroud didn't play much (at the Euros so far), but he's going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season," Wenger told French TV station TF1. "I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing.

"He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I'm sure he will do well with us."

Arsenal have already confirmed the signing of one attacker this summer, who is also on display at the current European Championships. Wenger is confident Germany's Lukas Podolski will also be a popular addition at Emirates Stadium.

"Podolski did a great job for the German team, he has superb team work," Wenger added. "He plays in a cautious way sometimes, but he's still scored a very important goal against Denmark for his 100th cap.

"I am very happy with what I've seen from him."

Arsenal, who have concerns about the long-term future of Robin van Persie, are looking to offload Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela as they revamp their attacking options this summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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