Arsène Wenger: Arsenal deal for Olivier Giroud 90% complete

Arsène Wenger has revealed a deal to bring France’s Olivier Giroud to Arsenal is “90 per cent” complete, with Gunners boss hopeful the striker can be a big hit at The Emirates.

The 25-year-old, who netted 25 goals for Montpellier last season to help his side clinch the Ligue 1 title, has been heavily linked with a move to north London in recent weeks.

Giroud, who is valued at £13m, is understood to have attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs but Arsenal look to have won the race for his signature – and Wenger says he has “exceptional potential”.

“Giroud didn’t play much [at the Euros so far], but he’s going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season,” Wenger told French television station TF1, according to the Daily Mail.

“I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing. He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I’m sure he will do well with us.”

Wenger also praised Lukas Podolski’s displays for Germany at the European championship, with the forward set to move to Arsenal after the tournament.

“Podolski did a great job for the German team, he has superb team work,” he said. “He plays in a cautious way sometimes, but he’s still scored a very important goal against Denmark for his 100th cap.

“I am very happy with what I’ve seen from him.”

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