Arsenal have moved closer to the signing of France striker Olivier Giroud from Montpellier.
It is understood the London club are in advanced talks over a move and a fee in the region of 18 million has already been agreed.
Giroud has reportedly made it clear about his preference for a move to Arsenal and has been offered a pay increase by the Gunners. Giroud reportedly earns around $30,000 a week with Montpellier and Arsenal are ready to pay more than four time his current salary.
Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the striker's talents and believes he will add another dimension to Arsenal's attack. Giroud scored 25 goals last season in all competitions and helped Montpellier to a shock French League title, beating out competition from moneybags Paris St Germain and Lille.
Earlier this week Montpellier manager Rene Girard confirmed Arsenal's interest in his striker. "Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them."
It is understood Arsenal flop Marouane Chamakh could be used as a part of the deal to bring in Giroud and Girard confirmed on Wednesday, he would be interested in capturing the Moroccan striker. "Wenger wants Giroud," Girard said. "The player likes England, and especially Arsenal. Everyone knows that Wenger follows him carefully.
"If they present a good offer we will evaluate. In this case we will also speak about Chamakh."
Asked about Giroud's imminent arrival to the Emirates, Wenger neither confirmed nor denied. "I won't say anything to you," The Frenchman told TF1. "Even under torture!"
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis hinted at a new arrival, during a Q&A session in China. "We have to take a step further and win the Premier League or win the Champions League -- that's what our goal is. We added an important player in (Lukas) Podolski and we will have the return of Jack Wilshere this year, which will be a big boost for the team.
"We are also talking to people in this summer's transfer market. I think there will be something exciting for our fans to be happy about.
"We want to do business carefully. We don't have to add many players, but we have to be very selective. The players we add must bring something to the team. That's what Wenger is doing and he's done a good job over the year to identify special talent. I am sure he will do it again."
Wenger and Arsenal will be hoping the signings of Podolski and Giroud, added with a couple more, will convince Robin Van Persie to commit his future to Arsenal.
