Arsenal Transfer News: What Could Olivier Giroud Offer the Gunners?

Olivier Giroud may be on international duty with France, but speculation surrounding a possible transfer to Arsenal remains rife.

Montpellier manager Rene Girard has today claimed that Arsenal are frontrunners to land the 25-year-old striker. The Telegraph reports the manager of the Ligue 1 champions telling French radio station RMC, "Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them."

The Independent reports that the Montpelier front man will cost Arsenal £13 million, but, according to the Metro, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool are also admirers of the striker who scored 21 league goals in 36 appearances last season.

Girard has added to speculation by claiming a potential deal could include a swap which would see Marounne Chamakh join the French champions for a season-long loan.

"We would like Chamakh on loan, as part of the Giroud deal, but I don't know if it is possible," said the Montpelier coach, according to the Metro.

If the speculation is true, then it should grant Wenger the opportunity to sell some of Arsenal’s deadwood up front.

According to the Daily Mirror, Niklas Bendtner has already expressed his desire not to return to the Emirates.

“On the specific matter of staying with Arsenal, I have to say I need something new to happen for me,” said the Danish striker.

Rumours of Park Chu-Young also leaving the Emirates have circulated this past season, with ESPN quoting the South Korean striker’s agent saying, "If the current state continues, we will have to look at the transfer market in the summer."

The departure of two strikers who have failed to leave an impression on the club will be welcomed by Arsenal fans, who could be forgiven for licking their lips at the prospect of having Giroud with Robin Van Persie and Lukas Podolski up front.

Measuring 6'3" and weighing around 196 lbs, according to Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph, Giroud would provide a physical presence that Arsenal do not have up front. It is a role that seemed suited to Niklas Bendtner, but the Danish international has failed to impress at Arsenal, despite his ego.

Giroud scores a lot of goals with his head, a duty that it was hoped Chamakh would be able to fulfill. With Gervinho, Walcott and Chamberlain on the wings, Giroud should be able to get the most out of crosses. Podolski is also known as a striker who likes to drift wide, so there is potential for some good link-up play between the two.

If Arsenal were to sign the French striker, they would have three strikers who had twenty-goal seasons in 2011-12—no other team in the Premier League can boast such a potent strike force.