Wenger: Giroud has agreed to a contract extension

While the actual signing of the contract extension has yet to happen, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed today to the press, on the eve of tomorrow's Champions League match versus visiting Galatasaray, that the club and forward Olivier Giroud have agreed to extend his stay through 2018:

"It is agreed. When it's completely done we will announce it," said Wenger.

A divisive player among the fans since his arrival in the summer of 2012, the 28 year-old Giroud has put up impressive numbers from his central forward position.  He scored 22 goals to go along with 10 assists in all club competitions last season, and his ability to drop back and spring his teammates into space with his acute sense of passing and heading is certainly valued by his teammates and coaches alike.

The arrival of Danny Welbeck has given Arsenal a different look at center forward, and one hopes that Wenger rotates his two preferred forwards - now both on long-term contracts - on a regular basis to keep each of them happy, healthy, and hungry to prove themselves when their name's called.