Arsenal close to Oliver Giroud deal says Montpellier deputy president Laurent Nicollin Montpellier won the French league championship for the first time in their history last season, a feat which was heavily attributed to Giroud's 21 league goals. And now Montpellier look set to cash in on Giroud, who cost just two million euros from Ligue 2 side Tours FC in 2010. Discussions are happening and going well, as part of the clause set. Things are moving serenely," Montpellier's deputy president Laurent Nicollin said in French newspaper Midi Libre. The 25-year-old will bolster Arsenal's attack even further after the club completed an £11.9 million deal for German striker Lukas Podolski. Podolski, Giroud and current striker Robin van Persie are all expected to start in a front three for Arsenal next season, meaning Arsene Wenger may look to move out fringe players Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh, Carlos Vela and Ju-Young Park.