Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal have confirmed on their official website that Olivier Giroud has been included in the club’s squad for pre-season tour of Australia and China.
The Gunners head off to take on Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia this week, before heading on to China to face Bayern Munich and Chelsea in Shanghai and Beijing respectively.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud applauds fans
Some Arsenal players have been left at home ahead of expected departures – such as Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson – but striker Olivier Giroud has been included in the squad.
Giroud, 30, started just 11 Premier League games last season, and whilst he ended the campaign with 12 league goals to his name, speculation has surrounded his future.
Not only have Arsenal snapped up Giroud’s French international team-mate Alexandre Lacazette in a club-record deal to boost Arsene Wenger’s attacking options, but Giroud appears to have mounting interest in his signature too.
The Daily Mail report that Everton are hoping to sign Olivier Giroud as they seek a new striker following Romelu Lukaku’s big-money move to Manchester United – but those hopes my have to wait.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud looks dejected
Arsenal’s tour only ends on the 22nd of July, meaning that Giroud will be part of Wenger’s plans for the next two weeks, and it may just suggest that Everton’s move for Giroud will hit a delay over the coming fortnight.
Everton appear to have acknowledged the anticipated delay too, as the Daily Mail now report that Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke is a new target as an alternative to Giroud, and with the Toffees making swift moves in the transfer market, Giroud’s trip may just see Everton completely move on in their pursuit of a striker.
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