Arsenal and Liverpool striker target facing summer quandary

Montpellier need only a point from their final game of the Ligue 1 season against already-relegated Auxerre to win a first title since 1987 and this could be a factor as to whether Olivier Giroud leaves the club.

Having finished 14th last season, Rene Girard has worked wonders in the current campaign and the 21 goals of Giroud has been pivotal to their challenge.

This success in front of goal has drawn interest from the bigger vultures from abroad, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all thought to be interested.

Giroud has previously stated that he has dreamt of playing in England and the opportunity to improve his talent under the eye of fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger may be tough to turn down.

Meanwhile, the signing would show Robin Van Persie fresh intent on the club’s future plans and may persuade him into extending his contract.

The one big consideration that Giroud would need to make is how many opportunities he would get at the Emirates, with Marouane Chamakh previous scoring regularly in France but failing to make an impact at Arsenal.

Furthermore, it is known that Giroud’s agent has spoken to Bayern Munich about the possibility of a switch this summer.

However, whispers from France suggest that Giroud will be going nowhere and that the whole of the Montpellier have made a pact to stay together for another season now they are certain to be in the Champions League.

This is a testament to the team atmosphere created by boss Girard and the opportunity to also defend the Ligue 1 crown may provide the extra persuasion for the squad to stick together for another 12 months.

Alongside Giroud, attacking midfielder Younes Belhanda is the other main member of the squad to be generating interest from elsewhere, with Manchester City among the clubs linked with the Moroccan.