Olivier Giroud
New Arsenal signing Olivier Giroud has dismissed reports he was signed to replace Dutchman Robin van Persie Reuters

Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that his agent held discussions with Bayern Munich about a potential transfer to the Allianz Arena in the summer.

The Bavarians are believed to be in the market for a striker to reduce the goalscoring burden on Mario Gomez, especially with Croatian Ivica Olic agreeing to join Wolfsburg next season. And it now appears that the search has ended with the French hitman, who was previously linked to Arsenal, Liverpool and Newscastle.

One of reasons why Montpelier are at the top of Ligue 1 has been the sensational form of Giroud, who has 21 goals and eight assists from 34 league appearances.

"I haven't spoken with Bayern Munich personally, but my agent has been in touch with them," Goal.com quoted Giroud, adding, "Bayern Munich are very well known in France because of all the positive experiences other French players have had there. They have all said how well they were received at Bayern, and how happy they were at the club."

The 25-year-old also stated that he is not worried about having to compete with Bayern's influential forward Mario Gomez for a place in the German club's starting line-up.

"It's not unthinkable that Gomez and I rotate a bit because of the huge amount of matches Bayern play in various competitions. Gomez would probably be first choice in the big games at this point," Giroud added.

Blackburn Rovers winger Junior Hoilett is also on Bayern's radar, reports the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old, who is also linked to Borussia Monchengladbach, has collected seven goals and six assists so far this season and has been the standout performer for the relegated club.

Hoilett is out of contract by the end of the season and has attracted attention from Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, Sunderland and Stoke. Now the player's representatives are understood to have travelled to Germany for negotiations regarding a possible move, according to the report.

Bayern can provide Hoilett with an opportunity to play for a big European club and a chance to feature in the Champions League. The Canadian has reportedly refused to sign a new deal with Blackburn and looks likely to leave on a free transfer in the summer.