Arsene Wenger “delighted” to have signed new French hitman

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that he is "delighted" to welcome new Arsenal hitman Oliver Giroud to the club, though fans are wondering whether he is an RVP replacement or back-up.

The 25-year-old hit the net on 25 occasions for Montpellier last season, helping the club to their first-ever Ligue 1 title. and now the Frenchman will be taking his talents to the Emirates Stadium in a transfer deal believed to be worth £13 million.

"I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football," said Giroud on Arsenal's official website today.

"It's a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it's been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League. I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger's 'touch' at this club.

"I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I'm very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans."

For Arsene Wenger, the move - alongside the signing of Lukas Podolski earlier this summer - signify Arsenal's eager approach in the transfer market ahead of the 2012/2013 season. Wenger was obviously tight-lipped, however, on how the still uncertain future of talisman Robin van Persie could impact Giroud's role.

"Olivier has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic," he 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. We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt."

After Maroune Chamakh's haul of one goal from 19 appearances last year, at least Giroud knows that Arsenal's Ligue 1 striker signings can only get better from here.