Arsenal have confirmed the signing of French striker Olivier Giroud on a long-term contract from Montpellier.

The 25-year-old, who completed a medical on Monday, scored 21 goals for Montpellier last season helping the club to their first ever Ligue 1 title and finishing as the division's joint top scorer.

At 6 ft 3ins, Giroud will provide an aerial threat to Arsenal's attack, and manager Arsene Wenger is delighted with the addition.

Olivier Giroud
Giroud scored 21 goals last season for Montpellier.

"We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud," he said. "He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. 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."

Giroud, who has nine caps for France, said: "I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football. 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 Arsène 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."

Before spending two years at Montepellier following a move from Grenboble, loan spells at FC Istres and then Tours FC saw him scoop the Ligue 2 Player of the Year award in 2009/10.

His exploits last season, in shooting Montpellier to their maiden Ligue 1 title, saw him included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

Giroud becomes the second new signing of the summer for Arsenal, along with German international Lukas Podolski, and joins fellow strikers Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela.

However, whether Giroud will be playing alongside Van Persie, or replacing the skipper for the new season is uncertain, with the Dutchman yet to pen a contract extension.