French striker Olivier Giroud joins Arsenal
June 26th, 2012 - 5:47 pm ICT by IANS
London, June 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) French striker Olivier Giroud has agreed on a long-term contract with Arsenal, the English football club said Tuesday.
The 25-year-old forward, who played for France at Euro 2012, has passed a medical examination and the transfer will go through after some “formal processes” are completed, Arsenal said on their website.
Giroud joins from French champions Montpellier, where he scored 21 goals in 36 games last season to become the French league’s top goalscorer.
“He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic,” Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said.
“We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.”
Giroud said that Wenger was a major factor in his decision to join Arsenal.
“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,” he said.
Giroud has nine caps for France, three of them earned in Euro 2012 substitute appearances, and scored his only international goal against Germany in February.
Earlier this month, Arsenal bought Germany striker Lukas Podolski from FC Koln.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
bs/vt
- Arsenal agree 12.8m pound deal for Giroud - Jun 19, 2012
- Bookies favour Manchester City to win EPL - Aug 17, 2012
- Podolski turns down riches to sign with Arsenal - Mar 09, 2012
- France leave Giroud out for World Cup qualifier - Sep 07, 2012
- Pogrebnyak agrees contract with Reading - Jun 30, 2012
- Anzhi confirm Diarra signing - Sep 04, 2012
- Euro 2012: Menez and Cabaye on target as France dominate Ukraine - Jun 16, 2012
- Arshavin out of Arsenal's Champions League squad - Sep 18, 2012
- Reading completes Pogrebnyak signing - Jul 07, 2012
- Arshavin crucial to Russia's success, says Advocaat - Jun 09, 2012
- Czech striker Baros retires from international football - Jun 22, 2012
- Pirlo penalty reminds me of Totti, says De Rossi - Jun 25, 2012
- Blanc should stay with France: Benzema - Jun 24, 2012
- Mellberg rues cheap goals as Sweden exit - Jun 16, 2012
- Podolski plays down Arsenal move - Mar 11, 2012
Tags: arsenal london, arsene wenger, bs, caps, english football club, euro 2012, fc koln, formal processes, french league, international goal, lukas podolski, medical examination, olivier, physical presence, premier league, ria novosti, satisfaction, striker, term contract, work ethic