The Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is close to moving to Arsenal, the French club's manager has said.

GettyImagesOlivier Giroud is at the centre of a transfer battle

Giroud, 25, scored 25 league goals last season as his side won Ligue 1, and Rene Girard says the Gunners lead the chase to sign the French international in a £13 million deal.

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

Giroud is to consider his options after Euro 2012. If he moves to North London, he will join the Germany forward Lukas Podolski as a new arrival at the Emirates.