Arsenal FC: Why Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski Will Shine at Emirates

Lukas Podolski is signed and ready to go. Olivier Giroud should follow soon.

So what should we expect from them at Arsenal this season?

No one knows for sure yet, of course, but there are plenty of reasons to believe Podolski and Giroud will see success in North London.

Podolski is a experienced striker with 100 international caps to his name. Giroud, while less proven, is big, strong, unselfish and dangerous in the air.

And both should take pressure off Robin van Persie.

With all that in mind, here are five reasons Podolski and Giroud will succeed at Arsenal

Unselfish and a Target Man

Besides scoring 21 goals for Montpellier last season, Olivier Giroud dished out nine assists.

In total, Giroud was thus directly involved in 30 of Montpellier's 68 league goals last term (44 percent).

Giroud's unselfish style should fit well into Arsene Wenger's possession-based, pass-happy philosophy at Arsenal.

What's more, Giroud stands 6'3" and is strong in the air, meaning he should serve as a big, strong target man in Arsenal's attack.

Experience and a Familiar Face

Lukas Podolski is a proven attacker—admittedly more so at the international level than club—who can hold onto the ball, score and provide assists.

Podolski will bring extensive experience with him to Arsenal as a veteran of two World Cups and three European Championships. He recently earned his 100th cap and marked the occasion with a goal.

When he arrives in North London, Podolski should have little trouble fitting in. The presence of fellow German international Per Mertesacker will likely help Podolski settle.

More Goals, More Assists

We mentioned the goals and assists on the last slide. Here are Lukas Podolski's numbers from last season: 18 goals and seven assists, with just under three shots per match (via WhoScored.com).

Those stats might not sound overly impressive, but consider this: Köln scored only 38 league goals all season, and Podolski was involved in 25 of those, or just under 66 percent.

Versatile Pieces, Multiple Options

Lukas Podolski can line up as a wide midfielder or a striker. Such versatility could allow Arsene Wenger to use Olivier Giroud and Robin van Persie in a two-man strikeforce or all three together in a three-man front line.

Whichever option Wenger chooses, the thought of having Van Persie, Podolski and Giroud on the pitch together must excite Gooners. Of course, that's assuming Van Persie stays with Arsenal for another season.

If he does, Van Persie will likely find less pressure on his shoulders this season. The presence of Podolski and Giroud should draw defenders away from Van Persie, or it could be the other way around.

Either way, if RvP sticks around, it's unlikely that Arsenal's attack will be such a one-man band this season.

Wenger and Arsenal's Style

Arsene Wenger's brand of possession-based, pass-happy football should benefit both Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal often attack from start to finish, and their flowing game creates multiple scoring chances for multiple players throughout the 90 minutes.

Last season, Robin van Persie was the only Gunner to score more than 10 goals in the league (Theo Walcott had eight).

This time, there could be three.

Follow @MikeCummings37