Arsenal Transfer News: Olivier Giroud Is Right Man to Replace Robin Van Persie

Olivier Giroud is capable of leading Arsenal's attack in the upcoming Premier League season, regardless of what the future holds for Robin van Persie at the club.

Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi recently spoke about Giroud (via the Daily Mirror).

"

And now Grimandi has admitted for the first time that this could indeed be the case, telling le10sport.com: "Was the recruitment of Giroud made to compensate for his Van Persie’s departure? Yes, we worked to avoid being cornered.

"

Giroud is a durable player who Arsenal can depend on. The Frenchman has averaged 37 games played over the last three seasons for French clubs Tours and Montpellier. Montpellier won its first-ever Ligue 1 crown last year with Giroud's attacking performances being a big reason for their success.

One impressive part of Giroud's game is his annual improvement as a goal scorer. The 2010-11 season was his first in Ligue 1, and he scored 12 goals for Montpellier. This past season, he improved to 21 goals in league play. During those same two years, his assists total tripled from three in 2010-11 to nine in 2011-12.

Very few players in the entire world could step into the Emirates and give Arsenal 30 goals like Van Persie did last season. He is one of those players that is so hard to replace because of his immense value the club.

However, of all the strikers Arsenal could have realistically purchased this summer, Giroud was the best fit, and he will certainly impress in his inaugural season with the Gunners.

Follow @NicholasGoss35