Arsenal close in on £13 million Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal are closing in on France striker Olivier Giroud, according to his club Montpellier.

Giroud, who is part of Laurent Blanc's Euro 2012 squad, is thought to command a fee in the region of £13million.

The 25-year-old scored 25 goals last season to help Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title, igniting the interest of several top clubs.

But Montpellier manager Rene Girard insists it is Gunners manager Arsene Wenger who is leading the chase.

"Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them," Girard told French radio station RMC.

Giroud is to consider his future after Euro 2012 with Arsenal favourites to make their second signing of the summer following the acquisition of Germany marksman Lukas Podolski.

PA