Arsenal have today confirmed the signing of Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud for a reported £12m.
Giroud returned from Euro 2012 following France’s loss to Spain in the Quarter-Finals to complete a medical at the club and sign a contract.
The striker was joint top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 21 goals in 36 games.
Giroud told arsenal.com:
“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.”
Giroud enjoyed a successful end to his time at Montpellier after the club lifted the Ligue 1 trophy for the first time in their history.
During his two year stay at Stade de la Mosson he scored 38 goals in 83 appearances for the club.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said:
“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.”