The Arsenal hitman is a reported transfer target for Everton this summer.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger reiterated Olivier Giroud’s desire to remain at the Emirates and fight for his place, when speaking to reporters today, in what could be viewed as a big blow to the Toffees’ hopes of securing a £30 million deal for the striker.
According to the Express, Blues boss Ronald Koeman sees the 30-year-old Frenchman as the ideal replacement for Romelu Lukaku, and has been weighing up a £30 million move for the striker this summer.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud
“Giroud fancies the competition. As a manager, you have him on your back, wanting to play. He fights hard, you know. I like the way he responds to what’s happening. He is focused and determined and showed that on the pre-season tour.”
Whilst £30 million for the France international seems like a lot of money at first glance, in today’s market, that figure actually represents fantastic value, so the Merseyside outfit will surely not be happy upon hearing Wenger’s comments.
And Koeman will most probably have to focus his search elsewhere now, as he looks to add more firepower to his options before the start of the new Premier League campaign.
The problem in today’s market is that every available player’s value seems to have doubled over the past month or so. The Dutchman will either have to be smart in his recruitment, or go all out with the money that Everton received from Manchester United for Lukaku.
Blues fans would surely prefer the latter, however.
Everton manager Ronaldo Koeman
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
