Olivier Giroud meant to replace departing Robin van Persie

It's that time of year again – a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, and dread.  No, I am not talking about the winter holidays.  It hardly is December.  What I am talking about is the summer transfer window.  I try to avoid the headache – more like heartache – of club departures, as rumors comprise the majority of what's put out there.  Then again, with departures comes the prospect of newcomers.

Recently, Arsenal's Robin van Persie announced that he would not be renewing his contract with the club, which will expire at the end of the 2012/13 season.  Italian club Juventus has shown interest in the 28-year-old, as have a number of others, including Arsenal's PL rival Manchester City.  The club [Arsenal] now finds itself faced with yet another Arsenal captain leaving (read: Cesc Fabregas).

Gilles Grimandi, Arsenal scout and former defender, openly admitted that the recently signed Olivier Giroud was in direct response to Van Persie's departure.  Grimandi had the following to say to French website le10sport.com on the matter:

"Was the recruitment of Giroud made to compensate for his departure?  Yes, we worked to avoid being concerned.

"We want him to stay home, but he is left with one year on his contract so it is complicated.

"At Arsenal, there is a healthy atmosphere.  He's been here for eight years and he has a real commitment to the club.  If there is a great offer and if he wants to leave, it will be difficult to keep him.

"I would never have thought that players such as Thiago Silva [AC Milan defender] could be transferable and that was the case at a time.  There are parameters you cannot handle."

Arsenal now fights to extract positives from this transfer issue by selling their current captain to a top club at a good price.  The club secured the third and last automatic UEFA Champions League spot last season.  Meanwhile, Gooners worldwide hope that the club will finally end its trophy drought come 2013.

written by Gail Hidalgo