Arsenal Transfer News: Olivier Giroud Joins Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has added another offensive weapon by agreeing to a deal with French striker Olivier Giroud, according to the team's official website.

He joins the Gunners from Ligue 1 champion Montpellier. The 25-year-old rising star has been on Wenger's radar since the season ended after he netted 25 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Giroud was also a part of France's national team for Euro 2012. He saw action in three of the team's four games off the bench and has played in plenty of high-pressure games in recent months, which should make his transition to Emirates seamless.

Wenger praised his new player's work ethic while discussing the long-awaited move in the club website announcement:

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We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.

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It's the second attacking player the Gunners have agreed to bring in already. Lukas Podolski was Wenger's first big acquisition of the transfer season after getting the German star to agree to join Arsenal prior to Euro 2012, where he's still playing.

After a disappointing summer transfer window last year, Wenger has been a lot more aggressive this time around to make sure Arsenal's needs get filled quickly.

That's especially important with the future of Robin van Persie still unknown. The team's leading scorer has been linked to several elite clubs throughout Europe, which has left the Gunners in a tough spot as they begin preparing for next season.

Losing van Persie would obviously be a major blow, but the additions of Podolski and Giroud would at least help fill the void if a blockbuster deal was made.

Arsenal's offensive depth was already lacking with their superstar Dutch forward. If he decides to stay or the Gunners make the call to let him play out the final year of his contract, the two additions should give them a much more well-rounded attack next season.

Giroud's deal is reported as a long-term contract that will officially begin on July 1.