Arsenal's new signing Olivier Giroud insisted he has not been signed as a replacement for Robin Van Persie.
Van Persie's future at Arsenal is up in the air, with the Dutchman reluctant to commit on a multiple year contract. The Arsenal captain, who will turn 29 in August, has just one year remaining on his contract, with Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus and Paris St Germain reportedly keeping an eye on developments.
Giroud, who signed a long-term deal with Arsenal earlier this week after completing a big-money move from Montpellier, said he was looking forward to playing next season with Van Persie. "I haven't come to take the place of Van Persie," Giroud told France Football.
"It would be stupid of me to think this.
"He had a great season. He scored 30 goals and he has a great credibility here.
"Van Persie, you can say he is left-footed, like me, but I am confident that we can play together."
Frenchman Giroud said watching compatriots like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires as a youngster, drew him to Arsenal. "When I was little boy, I wanted to play in the Premier League. My heart has always looked for Arsenal.
"I saw they had Henry, there were also Vieira and Pires. A true French touch.
"I have always loved the philosophy of their 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 25-year-old, who chose Arsenal over London rivals Chelsea, admitted Bayern Munich were also interested in his signature. "Bayern were at one point interested," he claimed.
"But with (Mario) Gomez, it would have been difficult for us to both play as we have somewhat similar styles and physique."
Giroud won the French League title last year with Montpellier and has seen his career graph surge over the last couple of years and admitted he found it unbelievable sometimes. "It is incredible for me.
"To already be a champion in France, then play for les Bleus, and now Arsenal. I repeat myself, but this is a beautiful story."
