Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud endured a disappointing Euro 2012, making just three substitute appearances as France were eliminated to Spain in the quarterfinals. Reuters

It wasn't quite as arduous of a process as the Lukas Podolski deal, but French forward Olivier Giroud has finally joined Arsenal after months of speculation.

Jim van Wijk of The Press Association reports that Montpellier president Louis Nicollin confirmed the transfer of Giroud to the Gunners for a fee of about £13 million.

The 25-year-old forward had reportedly been on Arsene Wenger's radar for several months. Wenger, who was born in Strasbourg, has been known to closely follow Ligue 1, and tends to add players who have potential rather than experience. But it seems that the Gunners boss has found a striker in his prime.

Giroud is coming off an excellent season in Ligue 1, scoring 21 goals in leading Montpellier to the title. He signed his first professional contract at age 19, after spending six years in Grenoble's youth academy. Prior to joining Montpellier in July 2010, Giroud played with Tours for two years.

Standing at over six-foot-three, Giroud appears to be taking the place of tall Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner, who is expected to make a permanent move from Arsenal after a loan spell with Sunderland.

There had been speculation that Arsenal would give a stronger look to Joel Campbell. The 19-year-old Costa Rican was acquired by the Gunners in the summer of 2011, and was loaned to Lorient where he scored three goals in 25 appearances.

But with Giroud on the Gunners' squad, it seems that Arsenal have found a key alternative to leading front man Robin van Persie.

Here is video of Arsenal's newest addition:

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