Arsenal have completed the signing of Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud.
The French international has cost the Gunners £12million and he has signed a long-term contract with the Premier League outfit.
My question is has he been brought in to replace Robin Van Persie?
Arrivals
There is no question in my mind that Arsenal needed to strengthen their attack this summer and they have done just that. The first two new arrivals this summer has been Lukas Podolski from FC Koln for £12million and now Giroud. Both players can play where Van Persie plays.
I am just wondering where all these attacking players will fit in at the Emirates Stadium. Giroud is very much a central striker but Podolski is more likely to be play on the left-wing. With Van Persie already at the club is Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger going to change his formation for next season?
Unlikely, as the Frenchman is very set in his ways when it comes to choice of formation and tactics. This could leave Arsenal with Robin Van Persie and Giroud fighting it out for one central striking role. I’m sure Giroud hasn’t just went to Arsenal for the sights and the London eye.
Competition for places is good for any team but neither Van Persie or Giroud will be happy playing minor roles in the team.
Reputation
Giroud arrives with a big reputation after leading provincial club Montpellier to their shock Ligue One title victory last season. The 25 year-old scored 21 times as the unfashionable club finished above big spending PSG in the French top flight.
Giroud’s form was one of the main reasons Montpellier triumphed last season and it was enough to earn him a place in the French squad for Euro 2012, although he didn’t get much playing time at the tournament as he played second fiddle to Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.
Delighted
The striker was delighted at sealing his move to the Gunners though. He told Sky Sports: “I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football. It’s a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it’s been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League.
“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger’s ‘touch’ at this club. 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.”
Uncertain
Giroud may be delighted to be at Arsenal but there are doubts whether Robin Van Persie will be happy in North London for much longer. The Arsenal captain’s contract runs out next summer and rumours persist that he will leave the Emirates this summer.
The 28 year-old has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Real Madrid already this summer. His stock in the game is sky high at the moment, so he could probably take his pick of clubs if he chooses to wait until next summer.
Shrewd
I think Arsene Wenger has been very shrewd with the signings of Podolski and Giroud. I believe they will both be big successes in the English top flight. However, they will only be good signings if they are there as well as Van Persie, and not as replacements for the Holland international.
Arsenal needed to strengthen heavily this summer in a bid to challenge for the title next season and the sale of Van Persie would really set them back. He was the Premier League’s top goalscorer last season and his goals would be almost impossible to replace.
Shame
I am not an Arsenal fan but I like the way that Arsene Wenger tries to get his team to play the game. It would be a massive shame if Arsenal lost Robin Van Persie. He obviously has a big love for the club and hopefully for Arsenal sake he will stay at the Emirates Stadium and sign a new contract.
Is Oliver Giroud a replacement for Robin Van Persie?
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