Arsene Wenger: Olivier Giroud Transfer Is "90 Percent Complete"

Arseblog News reported that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told French television station TF1 that French international striker Olivier Giroud is "90 percent an Arsenal player," and heralded the 25-year-old's "exceptional potential."

"[Giroud] will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing," Arseblog News reported that Wenger said. "He’s a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I’m sure he will do well with us." (Giroud has three assists in his last five appearances for Les Bleus.)

Wenger is frequently invited as a third commentator for TF1 broadcasts of French international fixtures.

Thursday's musings marked the first time Wenger has discussed the Giroud transfer publicly, which is reported to have been in the works for weeks now.

Giroud has said that he will not make a decision regarding his future until France's European Championship campaign has come to a close, but France Football reported earlier this week that Arsenal have met Montpellier's €12 million release clause, and will soon have him signed.

Giroud was joint-top scorer for Ligue 1 this past season with 21 goals, sharing that distinction with Paris Saint-Germain's Nene.

The France No. 9 scored 25 goals in all competitions, and played a key role in helping Montpellier to its first-ever Ligue 1 title.