Arsenal Transfer News: Striker Target Fielding German and Italian Interest

Arsenal striker target Olivier Giroud is being watched by various clubs around Europe, according to French media, with the Frenchman continuing his top form for Montpellier.

Giroud has scored 16 goals in 22 appearances for the Ligue 1 side so far this season, and it would seem that numerous sides around Europe are keeping tabs on the front man.

Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi admitted at the start of the month that the Gunners have been keeping a close eye on Giroud, but he insisted that the 25 year old was one of many players Arsene Wenger is considering.

"We look at a lot of interesting players, and we are following Giroud," he said at the time.

"We're following his progress, it's impossible not to look at the way he's progressed in the last two years.

"That's one of the players that we're currently looking at, but there's also between 20-30 other players from Europe and South America that we're keeping an eye on.

"Now we must try to assess the scope for improvement. I think he has the potential for the best clubs in Europe."

And now L'Equipe reports that Bayern Munich and Naples have both sent scouts to check on the star, with a recruiter from the German outfit telling the paper: "We have checked a list of several names, including that of Giroud."

Giroud would provide an apt replacement for the outgoing Bayern star Ivica Olic, who is headed for Wolfsburg at the end of the season.

Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon also confirmed that the side are interested in Giroud, admitting: "Our scouts are following him, because he is a good player. "

Arsenal took on striker Thierry Henry for a two month loan at the start of the year to cover for Africa Cup of Nations-bound Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho.

And while the pair have returned, Chamakh's future is particularly uncertain with the north London side, and the last word on the situation was that the forward was 'relaxed' about his future, whether it is with Arsenal or away from the club.

And with that in mind, along with Wenger's past favouritism towards French players, Giroud could be a serious target for the manager come summer.