Vermaelen welcomes Arsenal arrivals

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has praised the arrivals of new signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

The two strikers are currently undergoing fitness programmes in England while the rest of the squad compete in their pre-season tour of Asia.

The centre-back is looking forward to linking up with the new recruits, knowing Podolski’s talents in particular after facing him both domestically and internationally.

Vermaelen told the club’s official website: “I haven’t seen them training with us yet this pre-season because they came to us late after the Euros.

“But of course I know Podolski from the national team when I have seen him play and we played against him last year when we played Koln.

“I think he is a great player with a great left foot and a good attitude and discipline as well. I am really happy he is with the club now.”

Although the former Ajax stalwart has not played before against Arsenal’s new French centre forward, he points to the ex-Montpellier man’s record in Ligue 1 as providing a strong indication of his ability.

He added: “Giroud was the top goalscorer in the French league – that says enough.”