Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Olivier Giroud Is Best Transfer Option for Gunners

Olivier Giroud is just what Arsenal needs to return to EPL glory.

And according to ESPN, the Gunners may get their man:

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Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud is close to completing a move to Arsenal, the French club's deputy president has said.

Arsenal appear favourites to sign the striker and make him a second attacking addition to their squad after completing a deal for Germany international Lukas Podolski earlier this month.

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An offensively dominant player, Giroud is the Gunners' best option during the transfer window to complement striker Robin van Persie. No one man can carry a team, and provided that the Gunners land Giroud, Arsenal will be headed back to the top in no time.

Here, we take a look at how Giroud fits the Gunners' mold for the immediate future.

Scoring

Starting 36 games for Montpellier in 2011-12, Olivier Giroud scored 21 goals in that span and added nine assists. That production alone outdoes the combined impact of Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta for the Gunners.

And this impressive offensive prowess has existed with Giroud for the past few years, so it's no wonder he's an appealing player for Arsenal.

Last season Giroud scored 12 goals with three assists in 33 games for Montpellier and 21 goals in 2009-10. Pushing the pace and getting an opposition on its heels early is what Arsenal does best, and that will only enhance with Giroud on board.

Ball Control

Having scored 30 goals for Arsenal, Robin van Persie could basically score at will. That said, the Gunners didn't have the luxury of controlling the clock and game tempo since the defense was still vulnerable.

Well, getting Giroud would give sense to the saying that "the best defense is a good offense." Considering how consistent and effective Giroud can be at scoring, he's also a solid passer and knows how and when to finish.

So, Arsenal would have ample opportunities to score but, more importantly, the ability to play more of a possession game. Then when it's needed, van Persie and Giroud could score at will and save the defense.

Game Plan

Although it would be reasonable for Arsenal to pursue a defensive-oriented player during the transfer window, it's tough to not consider an explosive scorer like Giroud. Therefore, the consistent scoring and ball control of Giroud helping van Persie will take pressure off the defense.

On the contrary, this puts more pressure on the opponent's offense to score with fewer opportunities. And even if the Gunners allow a goal or two, they would have the offensive skill set to quickly respond.

For as vulnerable as Arsenal's defense can be, it's not like it won't get stops. The probability of getting outscored with such an improved offense would be slim to none. Plus, the more scoring and control we see from the offense, the greater the confidence we'll see from the Gunners' defense.

It's all about enhancing their strengths with Giroud, because a team can't control the game without winning the time of possession battle.