Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is so keen on a move to Bayern Munich he has already discussed life in Germany with Franck Ribery.
France striker is excited at prospect of moving to Bundesliga
Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is so keen on a move to Bayern Munich he has already discussed life in Germany with Franck Ribery.
The 25-year-old is believed to be Bayern's main transfer target in the summer after taking Montpellier to the brink of an unlikely Ligue 1 title success this season.
Giroud has confirmed there has been contact with his agent and that he is interested in making the switch.
"Bayern Munich are more in the focus than any other club due to the positive experience of French players there," he told
Sport Bild magazine.
"I have not yet spoken to them directly, but my agent has. Every player says how friendly they have been welcomed there and how happy they were there."
Several French players have enjoyed success at Bayern, with Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu winning the Champions League there in 2001.
Ribery is hoping to repeat that trick with the club in 2012 and has sold Giroud on the idea of moving to Munich.
"I have spoken to Ribery a bit about the Bundesliga," added the France international.
"We spoke about the fantastic fans, the full stadiums and the great life in Germany, and of course how the Bundesliga is particularly appealing to a striker since they play attacking football there."
Differences
With Ivica Olic leaving for Wolfsburg this summer, Bayern are targeting a striker and Giroud does not see a problem with him fitting in - despite some similarities with the club's star man Mario Gomez.
"We are roughly the same height and have a similar profile, even if there are a few differences," he said.
"Mario Gomez is a great finisher in front of goal and he is very strong within the penalty area.
"I can also score goals from outside the area while Gomez is stronger inside. I am a player who takes part in constructing the game more than Mario Gomez.
"With the amount of games Bayern play in all competitions, maybe Gomez and I could play alternately.
"Of course Gomez would be first choice for the big games."
