World Football Gossip Roundup: Olivier Giroud, Didier Drogba, Neymar, Rangers

As more and more nations bow out of Euro 2012, more and more of the tournament's star players are signing for new clubs.

One such signing leads the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup today, but there is plenty more news, rumors and innuendo to report.

Inside we have updates on Olivier Giroud, Didier Drogba, Neymar, Mario Mandzukic, Gylfi Sigurdsson and more.

Giroud Joins Arsenal

Arsenal have announced that French international forward Olivier Giroud has agreed a deal to join the North London club on a long-term contract.

According to Arsenal's official website, Giroud flew to London following France's elimination from Euro 2012. He is quoted by the website as saying:

"

I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsène Wenger’s 'touch' at this club. I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I’m very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.

"

Giroud scored 21 goals last season for Ligue 1 champions Montpellier, tied for the most in France's top division. He added nine assists.

The transfer fee was undisclosed, but according to The Independent, the deal is believed to have cost Arsenal £13 million.

Drogba U-Turn?

Rumors started circulating around the web Monday night that Didier Drogba will snub Shanghai Shenhua and join Barcelona instead.

Drogba, 34, is set to join Shenhua in July after eight years with Chelsea.

According to The Sun, Drogba's representatives denied the reports.

Dunga: Neymar Must Move to Europe

Former Brazil international and manager Dunga has advised Neymar to make a European move, according to a Goal.com exclusive.

The website quoted Dunga as saying "Playing in Europe is always tougher. They mark you so much closer. I think that a player always needs to go to Europe to have that experience and get better."

Mandzukic Talking to Bayern?

Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic is in talks for a potential move to Bayern Munich (per ESPNSoccernet) for about €10 million.

Mandzukic, 26, scored three goals at Euro 2012. He is under contract with VfL Wolfsburg until 2014. 

Investigation into Rangers?

The news just keeps getting worse for Rangers.

After reforming as a newco following administration and liquidation, Rangers were left out of the Scottish Premier League's fixture list for the 2012-13 season. Now, Craig Whyte's 2011 takeover and "subsequent financial management" will reportedly be investigated by police (per The Guardian).

The investigation will deal with Whyte's purchase of the club and his methods for reducing its £18 million debt.

Sigurdsson to Spurs?

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson, according to Goal.com.

Sigurdsson, 22, joined Swansea on loan from Hoffenheim in January and had been expected to follow former Swans manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool.

But according to Goal.com, the Icelandic international midfielder will sign for Spurs instead in an £8 million deal.

Ashleys Abused Via Twitter

Sticks and stones may break bones, but Twitter abuse apparently hurts England players as well.

According to The Independent, the Football Association has denounced Twitter rants directed at Ashley Cole and Ashley Young as "appalling and unacceptable."

Cole and Young missed spot-kicks as England crashed out of Euro 2012 in a quarterfinal penalty shootout against Italy.

Napoli Want Meireles?

Chelsea and Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles is being linked with a move to Italian club Napoli (per Daily Mirror).

Meireles, 29, joined Chelsea from Liverpool last summer and has declined to discuss the rumors.

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