Everton are reportedly battling West Ham for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
Reports from The Times suggest that Everton’s search for a new striker has led them to Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, and they could battle West Ham United for his signature this summer.
The Toffees tied up yet another deal this afternoon, confirming that Spanish forward Sandro Ramirez has joined from Malaga, having also agreed deals for Jordan Pickford, Nathangelo Markelo, Davy Klaassen and Henry Onyekuru.
More deals will be targeted by Everton this summer, and a new striker will almost certainly be needed if Romelu Lukaku leaves the club – and arguably even if he stays at Goodison Park.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring
Now, The Times report that Everton want to land Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who could be pushed out of the club as the Gunners prepare to snap up Lyon striker Alexander Lacazette.
Giroud, 30, started just 11 Premier League games for Arsenal last season as he struggled to keep his place in Arsene Wenger’s team – but he still ended the campaign with 12 Premier League goals to his name.
The Frenchman, who joined Arsenal from Montpellier in 2012, has hit double figures in goals in all five of his Premier League seasons, but now looks set to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
West Ham had been seen as one of the frontrunners for Giroud’s signature, but news of Everton joining the race will make fans worry that they will see a similar situation to Onyekuru’s deal with the Toffees.
Previously expected to join West Ham, Everton swooped in to sign Eupen goalscorer Onyekuru last week before sending him on a year-long loan to Anderlecht, with the 20-year-old attacker telling Own Goal Nigeria that the Hammers actually offered him more money – but he wanted to join Everton instead.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Ambition and first-team prospects down the line seemingly swung Onyekuru’s decision, and it remains to be seen whether Everton do the same thing again by signing Giroud this summer.
For an established player like Giroud, Everton may be able to offer him the wage package he is looking for thanks to Farhad Moshiri’s investment, whilst Europa League football and the challenge of pushing for a Champions League spot with Everton could also be appealing.
West Ham, already left reeling by Everton swooping in to sign Onyekuru, will hope that staying in London can be a draw for the striker, but they will almost certainly be concerned that Everton are about to pip them to another attacking signing this summer.
Do you think Giroud should join Everton or West Ham?
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