English Premier League giants Arsenal have agreed in principle to sign Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud, according to Goal.com.
The Gunners will meet the release clause in Giroud’s contrast, which is rumored to be in the region of €12-16 million.
The move is expected to be completed following France’s run in Euro 2012. By the looks of it, Arsenal may have to wait awhile to introduce their new talisman.
The France international will be competing against Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski for a place in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI next season.
Giroud bagged a league-leading 21 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances for Montpellier last season.
Only Anderson Luiz de Carvalho Nene of Paris Saint-Germain matched Giroud’s 21 strikes, while former Lille star Eden Hazard netted 20 goals.
The signing of Giroud may surprise some, especially since Arsenal already agreed to terms with Lukas Podolski.
Why do the Gunners need three strikers when they start just one? Well, perhaps they are willing to cut ties with Robin van Persie.
After all, the Holland international has just one year left on his current contract, and has refused to commit himself to the club.
All signs are pointing to a Van Persie exit, but that does not necessarily mean that the Dutchman will be leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Last year, everyone thought that Carlos Tevez was surely done at Manchester City. However, that ended up not being the case. Thus, only time will tell.
Luuk de Jong considering Benfica move
FC Twente talisman Luuk de Jong has revealed that he may be interested in a summer move to Portuguese giants Benfica.
“I have only read about Benfica’s interest on the internet,” he told Antena 1. “If Benfica want me, they will have to talk to Twente.
“They are a great club, I played against Benfica a few months ago. They play good football and have good players.
“I am happy at Twente, but it would be a good club to take the next step in my career. I am sure that I could learn a lot there and improve as a player.
“Let’s wait to see if there is something concrete.”
De Jong netted 25 goals in just 24 Eredivisie matches for Twente in 2011-12, while adding four goals in 10 UEFA Europa League appearances.
The Dutchman’s scintillating form in 2011-12 forced Oranje boss Bert van Marwijk to include him in Holland’s Euro 2012 squad.
However, De Jong never got off the bench, as Holland lost all three matches in the Group of Death.
Will De Jong join former team-mate Ola John at Benfica this summer?
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