Montpellier chief: 'Olivier Giroud likely to join Arsenal'

Montpellier HSC manager Rene Girard has said that Arsenal are seriously keen on signing striker Olivier Giroud.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a strong admirer of last season's Ligue 1 top scorer and wants to add the Frenchman to his striking options at the Emirates.

Girard confirmed to French radio station RMC that Giroud would be interested in a move to North London and that Marouane Chamakh could be part of the deal.

"Giroud loves England as well as Arsenal. We know Wenger wants him in his team. If they make an offer that's probably where he'll go," said Girard.

"It's likely that Giroud had to go to Arsenal. In this case we'ld like to get Chamack on loan but I don't know if it is possible."

Giroud reportedly has a release clause of around £12m in his contract with the French champions.