Powerful France striker completes long-anticipated Arsenal move

In a deal which has been long mooted, Olivier Giroud has finally followed Lukas Podolski to Arsenal, and is 1/2 to outscore his German teammate during their debut Premier League season.

An imposing physical striker, Giroud joins Arsene Wenger’s ranks for £12m, in the aftermath of a season which saw him fire Montpellier to Ligue 1 glory.

Indeed, Giroud racked up a 21-goal haul to claim the Golden Boot in France’s top flight, as his side stormed to the French title for the first time in their history.

Though the extent of his success was somewhat unexpected, the 25-year-old does boast in impressive goals-to-game ratio, which isn’t too short of one every two games.

He is 20/1 to land back-to-back Golden Boot accolades, by finishing as the Premier League’s leading scorer in his debut campaign in England.

His impressive strength and aerial ability would seem to suit the English game, and the French international could be worth a punt at that lengthy price.

Meanwhile, his new team-mate Podolski is afforded a 6/4 price to finish with the most goals of the pair, after completing a £10m switch from FC Koln earlier this summer.

A capability to operate as a winger could prove the German’s downfall in his bid though, as his managers in the past have tended to readily utilise him out wide, to allow a more orthodox frontman to play centrally.

Giroud is likely to become the focal point of the Gunners’ attack, and therefore looks a steal at that 1/2 to outscore Podolski next term.

Wenger’s summer spending is unlikely to stop with these two additions meanwhile, as he aims to further strengthen other areas of his side.

Spanish international Javi Martinez remains a serious target, and Wenger may test Athletic Bilbao’s resolve for the 23-year-old, as he prepares to offload the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.