London: French striker Olivier Giroud has agreed on a long-term contract with Arsenal, the English football club said Tuesday.

The 25-year-old forward, who played for France at Euro 2012, has passed a medical examination and the transfer will go through after some "formal processes" are completed, Arsenal said on their website.

Giroud joins from French champions Montpellier, where he scored 21 goals in 36 games last season to become the French league's top goalscorer.

"He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic," Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said.

"We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season."

Giroud said that Wenger was a major factor in his decision to join Arsenal.

"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 Arsene Wenger's 'touch' at this club," he said.

Giroud has nine caps for France, three of them earned in Euro 2012 substitute appearances, and scored his only international goal against Germany in February.

Earlier this month, Arsenal bought Germany striker Lukas Podolski from FC Koln. (IANS)