Arsenal close to Giroud deal

Giroud, who is part of Laurent Blanc's EURO 2012 squad, is thought to command a transfer fee in the region of $20.1 million.

The 25-year-old scored 25 goals for his club last season to help Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title, igniting the interest of several top clubs.

However, it appears Arsenal is set to add the promising striker to its squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany marksman Lukas Podolski.

"Discussions are happening and going well, as part of the (release) clause set. Things are moving serenely," Montpellier's deputy president Laurent Nicollin told French newspaper Midi Libre.

Once the deal for Giroud is complete, Arsenal could then look to offload some of its fringe players, including Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh.