Olivier Giroud Joins Arsenal

Monpellier striker Olivier Giroud, the leading scorer in last year's Ligue Un, has signed for Arsenal. He will join Robin van Persie and fellow newcomer Lukas Podolski in some new version of the Gunner's forward line.

The only problem is, is that we've been here before.

"We are delighted that Marouane Chamakh has joined us. He is a player we have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality. Chamakh has proved he is a great player with his performances for Bordeaux and Morocco in recent seasons and we’re all looking forward to him joining us.

"Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England and do very well. He is also a fighter, not only a good football player, but a fighter as well. He is very good in the air and also a good team player. He is a great addition to our squad."

Manager Arsène Wenger said: "We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.

"He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier’s championship-winning side last season. We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt."

Even the players themselves spoke along almost identical lines.

Chamakh said: "This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal. My goal was always to play in the Premier League and Arsenal was the choice of my heart.

"Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club. The team and history of Arsenal, they make me dream. My goal was to join Arsenal out of the all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child.

Giroud, whose contract with Arsenal will officially commence on July 1, said: "I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football. 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.

Listen, I'm not naive. I know these things are scripted and that there's nothing new under the sun. But if I were an Arsenal fan - like a certain Mr. Neal Thurman - I would be worried. Where do these players fit in Arsenal's system (and formation) and why is it going to be different this time around?

What do you think? Is there room at Arsenal for this new wealth of attacking talent? Are we getting signaled that Robin van Persie isn't long for the club? Are there no concerns in midfield and defense that need attention?