Much to the delight of Gooners around the world, Arsenal made another big splash in the transfer market, this time adding the French Ligue’s top scorer, Olivier Giroud.
The tall striker is joining what is fast-becoming a very imposing Arsenal attack. With Robin van Persie, along with the newly acquired Giroud, Arsenal now have options. Arsene Wenger was oft-criticized for his laissez-faire approach to transfer periods, but this year there is little arguing the fact that Arsenal, finally, are spending.
Terms of the deal have not been identified. My first thought is that it is likely the deal is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 15 million going to Montpellier, and about 50-60000 to Olivier per week. Having earned a measly £15,000 per week last year, this should be enough to satisfy him for now.
What strikes me about Arsenal going after Giroud and Yann M’Vila, which was also discussed in Arthur’s blog this morning, is the motivation behind the moves. Call me skeptical, but it stinks of “contingency plan”, to borrow a term from Arthur’s blog. It seems as if Arsenal are bracing themselves for the eventual move of RvP, going after a forward and an attacking mid. Clearly, signing some help on their own side of the pitch must be a priority, yet here we are, with another offensively-motivated transfer. To be clear, I am through the roof with anticipation and excitement over the next season. I think we are only a few signings from legitimately competing for the Premier League title – one of whom owns a #10 shirt.
…and that is the Last Word.
