• Premier League

Arsenal wrap up Giroud signing

Olivier Giroud has signed for Arsenal © PA Photos

Enlarge

Arsenal have bolstered their strikeforce by confirming they have signed France forward Olivier Giroud from Montpellier.

Giroud, 25, passed a medical on Monday before agreeing terms on a long-term contract with the Gunners, and he will join the club on July 1.

Arsene Wenger told the club's official 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."

The Frenchman will become the Gunners' second summer signing following the capture of Lukas Podolski announced last month. Having recently exited Euro 2012 with France, Giroud will link up with his new Arsenal team-mates in July after a short break.

He had scored 21 league goals for Montpellier this campaign and has attracted interest from several of Europe's biggest sides. The target man joined Montpellier in 2010, quickly establishing himself among Ligue 1's finest goalscorers and eventually making his debut for France in November 2011.

The 2011-12 campaign was the best of Giroud's career to date, topping the scoring charts in France as Montpellier claimed the first league title in their club history.

Giroud 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 Arsene 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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.