Giroud: I have the "weapons" needed
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New Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is convinced the
Gunners can win something next season - and maintains he has the
"weapons" to help deliver a long-overdue trophy.
The Barclays
Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday that Giroud, part of France's
Euro 2012 squad which was knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals,
had penned a "long-term contract" after joining for an undisclosed fee
from Montpellier, which is believed to be £13 million.The 25-year-old netted 21 goals in 36 league appearances as Montpellier claimed their first Ligue 1 title last season, and will now aim to make an impact as the Gunners look to deliver a first trophy since 2005 and progress again in Europe.
"There is a good spirit here, and that is another reason why I chose this club," said Giroud, whose deal with Arsenal will officially commence on July 1.
"I am confident in the potential of the group and I am convinced that in the future, hopefully next season, we can win something.
"It is difficult in England because there are so many big teams, but that is what gives it its charm, what makes it beautiful.
"It is the hardest league and it won't be easy to impose myself, but I am confident."
Giroud added in an interview with Arsenal Player: "I have the weapons to do well here.
"I will need some time to adapt of course, but I am not worried about that. I think I will adapt well.
"I am a player who likes to play, who likes to participate in the game. That is why I think the way Arsenal play will suit me.
"I like scoring goals and Arsenal create a lot of chances, so if I do well, then we will do well.
"Of course, there are big strikers here, it is a big club and there will be a lot of competition for places, but it is up to me to win my place."
Giroud jetted into London earlier this week and the finer details of his transfer, which Arsenal maintain is "now just the subject of formal processes", were completed on Monday night after the player agreed personal terms and underwent a medical.
There were plenty of other options for the France international, but Giroud revealed it was the chance to work with Arsene Wenger which played a big part in his decision to opt for Emirates Stadium.
"The manager has always been about developing and I hope he can continue to do that with me too," said Giroud, who spent the early part of his career in the lower French domestic leagues, which included a spell in the same Tours side as current Gunners centre-half Laurent Koscielny.
"I am happy with my choice, and I think that he brings a lot to the French players that are in the team."
Giroud continued: "I can see what happened to me until now and I hope to continue to progress and show that I can impose myself at the top level.
"It has been great, right now I want to live it to the full, and I will savour this chance."
Wenger feels Giroud will bring another "dimension" to his squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany forward Lukas Podolski.
"Olivier has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic," Wenger said.
"We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.
"He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier's championship-winning side last season."
Arsenal may have moved to bring in fresh faces, but there is still work to be done to convince captain Robin van Persie to extend his contract past the end of next season - with champions Manchester City said to be ready to put down a £20 million offer for the Holland striker, who is now away on holiday following a disappointing Euro 2012.
The Gunners are also likely to now move to offload some of their fringe players, especially in attack, where Morocco international Marouane Chamakh, Mexico forward Carlos Vela and Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner - who spent last season on loan at Sunderland and is now attracting "global interest", according to his representative - all appear surplus to requirements.
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