Olivier Giroud to Decide Future After European Championships

With rumors of a move from Montpellier to Arsenal growing more insistent by the day, Olivier Giroud said Sunday that "he couldn't talk about his future right now" and will likely wait until after the European Championships to address where he will play his football in 2012-13.

Giroud, under contract at Montpellier until 2014, is currently with the French national team in Poland and Ukraine, and has made one substitute's appearance, coming in last Friday's 2-0 victory over Ukraine.

Giroud had removed himself completely from the transfer workings, leaving his entourage to deal with the financial wranglings, and to his credit he has not dangled hints like a carrot during these past few turbulent weeks.

While an Arsenal switch still looks the most likely result—Borussia Monchengladbach were the latest club to drop from the running to sign him, and Montpellier just sealed the signing of a tall striker, Gaetan Charbonnier, perhaps with an eye on lining up a replacement should Giroud move on this summer—nothing has yet been finalized.

Giroud's buyout clause is rumored to be set at €12 million, but France-based journalist Matt Spiro believes that figure could rise to €16 million based on Giroud being a full French international.

The striker has earned seven caps for Les Bleus since making his debut as a substitute against Belgium last November. He made his full debut in February in a 2-1 exhibition victory over Germany in Bremen, scoring France's first goal on the night. He also has three assists at the international level to add to that one goal.

It is believed that the transfer to Arsenal is a mere formality at this juncture. Giroud has said he favors Arsenal, and has long made known his desire to play in the Premier League. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to have already made his move for the 25-year-old.