Giroud confirmation signals Arsenal attacking changes

Arsenal transfer news: Confirmation of Olivier Giroud signing and Nicklas Bendtner exit signal big changes

Arsenal are set to make big changes to their forward line with the completion of Olivier Giroud’s transfer today and Nicklas Bendtner’s likely move away to follow.

The Gunners announced the signing of the France international this morning and revealed he had completed a medical and contract terms on Monday before being unveiled.

Giroud will add a more physical presence to the attacking line-up at Emirates Stadium and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said as much when commenting on the deal.

“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,” he told the club’s official website.

“We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.”

Meanwhile, Giroud cited the presence of Wenger and the way in which he runs the north London club as a prominent factor in his decision.

“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsène Wenger’s 'touch' at this club,” said the 25-year-old.

“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.”

In a case of opposing fortunes, out-of-favour striker Nicklas Bendtner is close to a move away from the club, according to his agent.

The tall Danish forward scored twice at Euro 2012 and his performances have apparently attracted interest from clubs around the world.

“We are getting closer day by day. The interest is overwhelming, just as it should be after the way Nicklas performed at Euro 2012,” Jesper Lynghus told bold.dk.

“We are not commenting on individual deals at the moment, but it is fair to say the interest in Nicklas is global.”

The 24-year-old spent last season on-loan at Sunderland after growing impatient with a lack of opportunities in his preferred role as central striker and having to play in wide positions.

Euro 2012: WAG of the Day - Shakira

Gerard Pique might be best known for his tough-tackling on the pitch, but he’s doing pretty well off it on the arm of Shakira.

The Barcelona centre back, part of Spain’s Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 winning squads, has built up a huge reputation since returning to his homeland from Manchester United in 2008.

With a glut of trophies in the cabinet, life couldn’t get much better for the 25-year-old, whose relationship with Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was revealed in February 2011.

Gerrard to stay as England captain

England midfielder Steven Gerrard has confirmed he wants to continue as captain and help Roy Hodgson's side qualify for the World Cup in Brazil 2014.

The Liverpool and England skipper guided the Three Lions to the quarter-finals, where penalty defeat once again sent his side home early. And Gerrard has reiterated his desire to continue playing for England, and to remain as captain as they look ahead to Brazil in two years time.

"I've loved it, I've loved the responsibility and I've enjoyed every minute of it," said Gerrard of leading England in Ukraine and Poland. "I've had a brief chat with the manager, I'm available as long as I'm wanted at this level. The manager has told me he wants me to continue and carry on."

Ronaldinho Show

Ronaldinho show in training

Redknapp: Terry was magnificent

Former-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has praised John Terry's 'magnificent' performances for England at Euro 2012, and has urged Roy Hodgson to stick with the England veterans heading into World Cup qualification.

Redknapp thinks the likes of John Terry and Steven Gerrard still have an important role to play in Hodgson's set-up, although the ex-Spurs boss admits Italy were better than England on the night, and deserved to progress to the semi-finals.

"It would have been an injustice if we'd won," said Redknapp. "They had twice as many touches as us. Roy Hodgson did the best he could with that squad."

Heldt: Huntelaar staying with Schalke

Sir Alex Ferguson may have to look elsewhere for goalscoring reinforcements this summer after being told Schalke striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar is not for sale.

The Netherlands international has netted 48 goals in 47 appearances for Schalke since joining the club from AC Milan in 2010 and was the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season.

Huntelaar has frequently been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Ferguson makes plans for the summer transfer window, while Stamford Bridge has also been reported as a potential destination.

Can anyone stop Ronaldo?

It’s the question on everyone’s lips going into the Euro 2012 semi-finals. Can anyone – or more specifically Spain – stop Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cesc Fabregas has already hinted that the game will be like an ‘El Clasico’, and with Ronaldo, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao in their line-up, Portugal have their own La Liga contingent on the pitch.

Spain’s side is made-up largely of players from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and they’ll know all about the quality Ronaldo possesses and his ability to deliver when it matters.