Arsenal aren't signing Olivier Giroud as a replacement for Robin van Persie. The London Evening Standard says Arsenal are close to completing a deal to sign France striker Giroud for £12million.

The Gunners are in negotiations with his club, Montpellier, and are expected to confirm the 25-year-old's arrival this week.

Despite speculation about the future of Van Persie, who is out of contract next summer, it is understood Arsenal want to sign Giroud to play alongside him, rather than as a replacement.