The Gunners are hopeful of wrapping up the £12 million acquisition of Giroud in the next 48 hours, with club officials currently speaking to the French FA over releasing the player from training to hold talks over a four-year-contract.
The news comes after a whirlwind 24 hours, in which Arsenal were pressed into action when Premier League rivals QPR and German side Monchengladbach both made contact with Montpellier over a deal.
Arsenal had planned on respecting Giroud's wish that he will not move until after Euro 2012, but with others tightening the net, Arsene Wenger gave the green light for a move yesterday morning.
Ambitious Bundesliga side Monchengladbach had hoped to swoop in under the radar, but sporting director Max Eberl confessed last night that after Arsenal moved in, they were blown out of the water:
'The problem with negotiating for Giroud, was that top clubs like Arsenal came in for him,' Eberl told Bild.
Giroud is now expected to complete the formalities on his move to north London after the Euros, but Arsenal are keen to provisionally agree terms on a contract now, despite France coach Laurent Blanc wanting the player to remain at training.
The deal, which will cost Arsenal around £12 million, brings to end Wenger's four year hunt for Giroud that began at Tours in 2008, and intensified last season, when the all action striker bagged 21 goals in 36 matches.
Giroud's arrival will signal the end for Arsenal's flop forwards Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, Park Chu-Young and Marouane Chamakh, all of whom will be allowed to leave in cut price deals.
Read more:
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/902042-arsenal-keen-on-pulling-olivier-giroud-out-of-france-euro-2012-camp-to-finalise-deal#ixzz1xrEfkQbC