Backpage roundup: Grimandi’s confession, Doumbia’s snub, Afobe’s loan deal, Afellay and Aguero

Giroud Is RVP’s Replacement, Admits Grimandi
Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has finally confessed that the club bought Olivier Giroud as a direct replacement for their want-away striker Robin van Persie.
The Arsenal captain recently told the press that he will not be renewing his contract with the club, after which talks of his departure from Emirates Stadium in the ongoing transfer window have intensified.
Until now, the Gunners officials had maintained that the arrival of Giroud had nothing to do with van Persie’s uncertain future. However, Grimandi has now revealed that the F...