Olivier Giroud to play alongside Robin van Persie

New Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has insisted that he has not been bought to replace frontman Robin van Persie.

The 25-year-old agreed a long-term contract with the Premier League outfit earlier this week, with some suggesting that the move could be due to Van Persie's impending departure.

"Van Persie is a fantastic player who was outstanding last season," Giroud told L'Equipe. "He has been at Arsenal for eight years, so I hope I will have time to adapt and improve. Anyway, I don't go there to take his place."

Reports have claimed that Van Persie is keen to see out his final year of his contract at the Emirates and is expected to resume talks with Arsenal next month.