Giroud vows to stay determined

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has insisted that his recent scoring run is down to his hunger to fight for a first-team place at the Emirates.

The French international scored twice against West Ham United last week and matched that performance with a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.



Giroud conceded that he has been pleased with his form in the last fortnight but believes that he must stay hungry and maintain a determined edge to keep scoring in the Premier League.



He told the club's official website after Brighton match: "We always need the determination, I think it's a very important thing in football. When you don't have It, you can't play very well, because you need it. It's important for me and all the team. We showed it against today.



"[For the first goal] Lukas gave me [the ball] in the right position and I just tried to hit the target and not to shoot too strongly. I liked it. I've tried to work on it in training.

"I liked the second one because I made a good run and Abou gave me a wonderful assist. I did not have a lot of time to finish, and I finished very well. I was not so far from the hat-trick again. I want to continue to work hard, to succeed and get my first hat-trick soon."



Giroud has scored 13 times in all competitions for the Gunners in his debut season following a summer move from French champions Montpellier.

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Arsenal confirm Giroud signing

Arsenal have confirmed the capture of Olivier Giroud on a long-term contract from Montpellier.



Giroud's arrival has been expected for some time but he only agreed personal terms with the Gunners on Monday night following the completion of a medical.



The 25-year-old joins Arsenal from Montpellier, where he enjoyed a two-year spell scoring 21 times in 36 league appearances, ending the season as the joint top goalscorer in Ligue 1 last season.



“We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud," manager Arsene Wenger commented. "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."



Giroud was a member of the France side that were knocked out of Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage and he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League.



“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," he said.



“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger’s 'touch' at this club. I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I’m very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.”



Giroud's contract will officially commence on July 1.

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