ARSENAL VERY CLOSE TO GIROUD DEAL

Montpellier manager Rene Girard has confirmed that striker Olivier Giroud could be on his way to Arsenal this summer.

The 25-year-old French forward scored an impressive 25 goals during Montpellier’s Ligue 1 title-winning season in 2011/2012 and he has since become an important part of the France national squad and is being chased by a number of Europe’s top clubs including Arsenal and Spanish rich boys Malaga .

 The former Tours forward is expected to cost Arsenal in the region of £13 million as stated in his contract and Girard says that the Gunners are showing a strong interest in his player.

 “Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsène [Wenger] agrees with the president, he will sign for them,” Girard said in an interview with French radio station RMC.

 However, Giroud will not make a decision on his future until after France’s Euro 2012 campaign which began with a draw against England on Monday.

 While Giroud would be an excellent addition to the Emirates home dressing room next season, Girard’s words are likely to increase speculation surrounding current Arsenal forward Robin van Persie’s future.

Last season’s Premier League player of the season is being chased by a host of clubs and his father confirmed last week that he could be tempted by a move to Real Madrid.

I really hope he lands in Arsenal as the deal is very close, but what bothers me is all the media speculation that RVP  is definitely leaving us. The fact that both players are left footed plus Podolski also left footed does not mean they cant play together, this is just Arsenal showing that they want to compete for the premiership next term.

Why do the press keep chasing Arsenal players away? all this stories about RVP leaving is just pushing the player out the Emirates gates. This has always been the lot of Arsenal from the media, when ever any Arsenal player has a spectacular season the next thing is he is leaving, from Anelka down to Cesc Fabrigas now RVP, I'm sure if Chamach has just one good season with Arsenal the media will link him with a move and continue to emphasize it there by unsettling the player.

My thoughts? Giroud to partner RVP at Arsenal next season.