There has been intense speculation linking Olivier Giroud with a move to the Emirates Stadium for some time now. However, Gunners supporters have been given the biggest indication yet that the move is imminent, with Arsene Wenger stating that he is 90% sure that a deal for the Montpellier forward will be concluded.
Giroud, who is currently on international duty with France, has experienced a hugely successful campaign after hitting 21 goals. However, it would certainly be fair to say that his success has proved surprising, after the 25-year-old only joined Montpellier in a £1.7m transfer twelve months ago. With Montpellier beating all odds and lifting the Ligue 1 title this term, Giroud’s value has rocketed and it’s understood that Arsenal are set to part with £13m for the striker.
While it appears as though the transfer has been something of a long-running saga, Arsene Wenger has now calmed fears that it could collapse. Speaking to French TV station TF1, he said, “Giroud didn’t play much (at Euro 2012), but he’s going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season. 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.”
It is widely thought that Wenger’s desire is to combine Giroud with fellow new signing Lukas Podolski, and star man Robin Van Persie in a front three. However, whether or not that wish will be realized will largely depend on Van Persie’s wishes, with the Dutchman still to respond to the offer of a new contract. Following the Netherlands’ premature exit from Euro 2012, club officials are confident that the saga will be resolved in the very near future.