Arsenal are close to signing Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud according to latest reports, a move that will only fuel further speculation over Robin Van Persie’s future.
The French striker has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates this summer and it seems that Arsenal officials have managed to wrap up the deal. The player is right now away in Ukraine and part of the French national team competing in the Euro championships. It is believed that once he returns from the Euros, the personal terms will be sorted out and the transfer will be made official.
The prolific striker who netted 25 goals last season in Ligue 1 and was one of the key players in Montpellier’s title winning squad, becomes the second signing for Arsenal this summer after Lukas Podolski joined from FC Cologne. This transfer could possibly signal the departure of Van Persie although it is exactly not clear if the 26 year old is viewed as a replacement for the Dutchman. If the Gunners manage to hold on to their captain, who is wanted by Manchester City and Juventus among other clubs, they will have an envious striker force in the coming season.
The deal involving the Frenchman is set to cost £15m although the figure could get higher.