At the start of the summer Arsenal fans will have feared the headlines linking their star men (mostly Robin Van Persie) with moves away from The Emirates, something reminiscent of ‘The Cesc Fabregas saga’ that rumbled on far too long for any Gunner.
However, the back pages have been a lot brighter for Arsenal supporters, regularly linking their side with transfers in rather than out.
Arsene Wenger quickly snapped up German Lukas Podolski from Koln prior to Euro 2012 and commenced with enquiries about a move for Montpellier’s Olivier Giroud, a clear indication Wenger still harbours trophy ambitions for the club.
Wenger took advantage of France’s quarter final elimination to Spain on Saturday to finalise a deal for last season’s Ligue 1 top scorer, Olivier Giroud. The left footed striker underwent a medical on Monday and was announced as an Arsenal player on Tuesday, signing a ‘long-term contract’.
Never having been one to splash the cash wastefully it makes you wonder what Arsene and the fans are getting for £13 million, “he is a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic”, his words not mine.
At 25 years old Giroud has youthful quality that Wenger holds so high teamed with trophy winning experience and a growing international career.
Last season’s haul of 25 goals, in 43 games, shows the Frenchman’s ability to find the back of the net but the question of “can he cut it in the Premier League?” will be awaiting him when the new season kicks off in august.
Any Gunners fans wanting to watch their new signing in action at Euro 2012 were limited to a few substitution appearances with no major impact. To be fair to the Arsenal new boy his 9 caps are unlikely to oust Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema from the starting line-up.
Robin Van Persie’s future may be unclear but Wenger has been determined to secure Olivier Giroud, a player for the future.
For those who haven’t seen much of Arsenal’s latest acquisition from “La France” here’s his 25 goals and 11 assists from last season.
Sam Jewell
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