Grimandi - Giroud covers us
This will avoid Arsenal finding themselves in a corner, says scout
Last Updated: July 12, 2012 5:01pm
Olivier Giroud: Signed to compensate for the possible loss of Robin van Persie, claims Gilles Grimandi
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Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi admits Olivier Giroud was signed so the club would not be "cornered" if captain Robin van Persie leaves.
The Gunners captain revealed earlier this month he will not sign a new deal and with his current contract expiring next year he has been linked with a switch to Manchester City.
Unlike last summer when Arsenal were forced into deadline day action following the exits of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, the north London club has acted fast to cover a potential transfer.
France striker Giroud and German international Lukas Podolski have already been signed to Arsene Wenger's frontline next season.
Grimandi told le10sport.com: "We want him (Van Persie) to stay, but there is only one year left on his contract so it's complicated.
Bond
"The atmosphere is good at Arsenal. He has been with us for eight years and has a real bond with the club.
"Was Olivier Giroud signed to compensate for his departure? Yes, we worked to avoid finding ourselves in a corner.
"But we are doing everything we can to keep him and we want him to stay with us.
"However, if there is an exceptional offer and he wants to leave, keeping him will be tough.
"I would never have thought, for example, that Thiago Silva could be transferable but he was for a while. There are variables that can't be controlled."
Robin van Persie
Olivier Giroud
