There is a 90 per cent chance that Olivier Giroud will play his football for Arsenal next season, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

 

Arsenal are believed to have met Giroud’s release clause at Montpellier and the ball is very firmly in the player’s court over a switch, with the deal thought to be all but done.

 

Giroud’s participation at Euro 2012 with France has slowed down completion of the switch, but it is still progressing and the 25-year-old is expected to have the final word on it soon.

 

And for Wenger, it is almost done.

 

"Giroud has not played much for France at the European Championship, but next season he’s 90 per cent at Arsenal", Wenger told French TV.

 

"He has exceptional potential and I think he fits very well within our team", added the Gunners boss.

 

"He is a real team player and can help the team play better", he concluded.

 

Giroud was on fire for Montpellier last season and helped the Stade de la Mosson outfit hold off a powerful challenge from Paris Saint-Germain to claim the Ligue 1 title.

 

The striker is something of a late developer, having spent time at the legendary Clairefontaine Academy; he made his real breakthough at Tours.

 

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