Arsenal have finally admitted that they signed French striker Olivier Giroud as a replacement for captain Robin van Persie, as they were aware of the fact that van Persie could possibly be plying his trade for another club next season.
Van Persie has a year left on his current contract, and has declared that he would not be signing a contract extension at Arsenal. Many expect him to be sold this summer itself. After having a hectic Deadline Transfer day last August as they lost Cesc Fabregas and then Samir Nasri very late in the Transfer window, the Gunners are desperate to avoid their old mistakes, and have already brought in a replacement for van Persie in the form of French league champions Montepellier’s star striker Olivied Giroud.
Arsenal’s chief scout Gilles Grimandi spoke to le10sport.com where he admitted that Giroud was brought in early in the Transfer window as van Persie’s replacement. He said, “Was the recruitment of Giroud made to compensate for his Van Persie’s departure? Yes, we worked to avoid being cornered.
“We want him to stay home but he is left with one year on his contract so it is complicated.
At Arsenal, there is a healthy atmosphere, he’s been here for eight years and he has a real commitment to the club.”