• René Girard says Arsenal lead chase for striker • Giroud's transfer fee thought to be around £13m

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Arsenal are closing in on the 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 £13m.

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 the Montpellier manager, René Girard, insists it is the Gunners manager Arsène Wenger who is leading the chase.

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

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