Arsenal have sealed the signing of Oilivier Giroud from Montpellier after the Gunners agreed to meet the striker's buy-out clause and also decided on personal terms.
There were suggestions from several quarters that the French striker was on the verge of a move to North London over the past week, and SWR understands a deal has been officially agreed between Arsenal, Montpellier and Giroud. Arsenal will pay around 13 million pounds for Giroud's services.
It is understood the 6ft 3in striker will earn around 40,000-50,000 pounds a week and will sign a four year contract. The 25-year old has stated his desire to move to Arsenal and the deal will officially be announced once France end their Euro 2012 campaign allowing Giroud to come to London to undergo a medical.
Giroud, who has been tracked by Arsene Wenger for the past five years, was the leading scorer in the French League last season, scoring 21 goals, with 25 in all competitions. The left-footed striker will follow the signing of Lukas Podolski and is expected to create a formidable strike trio with Robin Van Persie and the German forward.
Current Arsenal strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh are expected to move on, with Bendtner interesting several clubs including Benfica and Borussia Dortmund after impressing for Denmark in Euro 2012.
Now that the Dutch campaign at Euro 2012 has ended, Arsenal are desperate to agree a deal with Van Persie. The Dutch master who scored 37 goals in all competitions last season, has been stalling on a new deal. The 29-year-old reportedly wants Arsenal to show some ambition and prove to him that the Gunners can still compete at the highest level and constantly challenge for trophies.
A three-year deal worth 130,000 pounds a week is on the table and the Gunners are hopeful the Dutchman will commit.
The signings of Podolski and Giroud will encourage Van Persie to stay with the Gunners also expected to buy Yann M'Vila from Rennes. Wenger is also looking at strengthening the defense with the likes of Sebastian Squillaci and Johan Djourou expected to find new clubs next season.