Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud has agreed to join Arsenal on a long-term contract, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 25-year old France striker completed a medical before agreeing to terms at the club’s training ground on Monday evening. The completion of the transfer is just the subject of “formal processes”, according to Arsenal.

Giroud, whose contract with Arsenal will begin on July 1, told the club’s website: “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.”

Gioud said the style of football Arsenal, who finished third in the English top-flight last season, play under French manager Arsene Wenger had been a major factor in his decision.

“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger’s ‘touch’ at this club,” he said.

“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.”

Wenger said the club were delighted to have secured 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.”

Giroud’s 21 goals in 36 league games made him the French league’s joint top goalscorer last season, as he helped Montpellier win their first Ligue 1 title.

Giroud, who enjoyed a two-year spell at the Stade de la Mosson and broke into the national team last November, flew to London after representing France at Euro 2012 where they exited to Spain in the quarter-finals.

The Chambery-born player spent his formative years in France’s lower leagues, developing his game with Grenoble and at Tours FC where he played alongside Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny for a season before being awarded the Ligue 2 Player of the Year award in 2009/10.

“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,” said Wenger.

“We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt,” Wenger added.