Paperwork Being Drawn Up As £12m Giroud Deal Nears Completion

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud for £12m, and the deal could be officially announced within the next 48 hours, according to the Telegraph.

Speculation has been rife that the Gunners were in talks over the French hitman in recent weeks, and all the signs today are suggesting that a deal is close.

The Telegraph are reporting that a £12m deal has been agreed with Montpellier and the two clubs are now completing the necessary paperwork. They believe that as long as there are no last minute problems, Giroud will be an Arsenal player and official confirmation could be announced within the next 48 hours.

The 25-year-old scored 21 goals last season to help Montpellier clinch their first ever Ligue 1 title and he is currently away with the France squad at Euro 2012. If the Telegraph are to be believed, he could come back a Gooner.

Giroud would be Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer, following Lukas Podolski to the club, as Arsene Wenger looks to revamp his attacking options ahead of next season.

Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Ju-Young Park are all expected to leave this summer, and there is no doubt that Podolski and Giroud will drastically improve Arsenal’s attacking options next term.

However, many Arsenal fans may be concerned that Giroud’s arrival could signal the end of Robin van Persie’s future in North London. But the Telegraph claim that the Frenchman is regarded as an back up or possible partner for RVP, and his signing will be used by Arsene Wenger to prove the clubs ambition to the Dutchman.

Personally, this sounds like an excellent piece of business for The Arsenal. Hopefully we’ll see him alongside Poldi and RVP next season. What a strike force that would be!

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