Arsenal signs France forward Giroud

Jun 26, 2012 - 6:23 PM London, England (Sports Network) - Arsenal signed France international forward Olivier Giroud from Montpellier on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Giroud scored 21 goals to lead Ligue 1 in France last season, and is the second summer signing for Arsenal. The Gunners previously acquired German international striker Lukas Podolski.

"We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Giroud appeared in three games for France at Euro 2012, but did not score. He completed a physical and agreed to terms late Monday and will join the Gunners on July 1.

"I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football," Giroud said. "It's a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it's been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League."