While players participating in Euro 2012 or any big summer tournament don’t usually take part in negotiations, Arsenal seem to be on the verge of completing a deal that will bring over Olivier Giroud, Montpellier and France’s 25 year old striker.

Giroud didn’t get to be part of the 1-1 draw between France and England, maybe leaving him more time to talk to his agent and secure the terms of the deal. According to Montpellier manager, Rene Girard, all Arsene Wenger has left before he gets the 2011-2012 Ligue 1 joint top scorer’s services is come to terms on the price with the club’s president, Laurent Nicollin.

The rumors price for Giroud, who has scored 33 league goals for Montpellier over the last couple of seasons? Around £13 million, although Giroud insists he will only make his decision and official announcement after the Euro. If Giroud does join Lukas Podolski as the new guys at the Emirates, many say it suggests that Robin van Persie’s time with the club in nearing its end.

However, Giroud isn’t only chased by the gunners. Up until recently, Bayern Munich looked like the most likely candidate to sign Giroud, who has been capped six times for France in the last 7 months, making his debut for Les Bleus on November 11, 2011.

In my opinion, Giroud is not the kind of striker who can replace Robin van Persie. He just doesn’t have enough skills to do what Van Persie does. In ways, he reminds of Andre-Pierre Gignac who had one fantastic season for Tolouse in 2008-2009, scoring 24 goals, but since then has failed to rekindle that kind of form and scoring touch, not finding the net once this season for Marseille.