LONDON, June 26: France striker Olivier Giroud has joined Arsenal on a “long-term contract” after leaving Ligue 1 champions Montpellier.

The 25-year-old completed a medical on Monday and his contract officially starts on July 1, the north London team said on their website on Tuesday.

The club did not disclose the transfer fee but media reports said it was around 12 million pounds. Giroud helped France reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

His 21 goals from 36 league games made him joint top scorer in the French league last season with Paris St Germain's Nene.

Giroud said it had been a dream of his to play in the Premier League.

“I am delighted to be part of one of the great teams in English football,” he said. “I was attracted by the philosophy of football here and Arsene Wenger's 'touch' at this club.

“I now hope to achieve great things. I'm very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.”—Reuters