Giroud not stepping on van Persie´s toes

New Arsenal signing Olivier Giroud has insisted he is not moving to the Emirates to replace Robin van Persie.

The Dutch striker enjoyed a marvellous season in the Premier League, bagging 30 goals in the league, but van Persie has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates, with Juventus and Manchester City the names mentioned most prominently.

However, Giroud is adamant Van Persie will not be moving on this summer, while he is also convinced he will be able to play alongside the former Feyenoord man.

Speaking to France Football, Giroud said: “I don’t come take the place of Van Persie. It would be stupid of me to think of this idea.

“He had a great season. He scored 30 goals and he has a great credibility here.

“Van Persie, you can say me he is left-foot, like me, but I am confident that we can play together.”

It has been a fantastic year for Giroud, who won his first top-flight title in France before going on to play in Euro 2012, and he also revealed he has always wanted to play in England.

“It is incredible for me. To already be a champion in France (with Montpellier), then play for les Bleus, and now Arsenal. I repeat myself, but this is a beautiful story,” he added.

“When I was little boy, I wanted to play in the Premier League. My heart has always looked for Arsenal.

“I saw they had (Thierry) Henry, there were also (Patrick) Vieira and (Robert) Pires. A true French Touch.

“I have always loved the philosophy of game and the State of mind of this club. The French were very successful there and the quality of life in London is exceptional.”

The striker also briefly spoke about other teams who were interested, with a certain German team expressing their desire for him, but he believes that never would have worked due to the presence of a striker very similar to himself.

“Bayern was at one point interested,” he claimed.

“But with (Mario) Gomez, it would have been difficult for us to both play as we have a somewhat similar styles and physique.”