Olivier Giroud is reportedly unhappy with life at Arsenal and Ronald Koeman’s Everton could take full advantage.
Olivier Giroud is perhaps a victim of association more than anything else. While Arsenal’s title and top four rivals can call upon the services of Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, Diego Costa and now Romelu Lukaku, the Frenchman continues to be lambasted among some sections of the support for being ‘good’ rather than ‘great’.
Yet, it’s difficult to argue against Giroud being anything other than a superb signing for Everton. He may not be able to match the 26 Premier League goals plundered by Lukaku last season but an average of around 14 per season in Arsenal colours is not to be sniffed at.
Giroud is a reliable, if not prolific, goalscorer
And his goals-per-minute ratio is one of the best in the history of the Premier League.
Therefore, it makes sense for Everton to put the Frenchman high on the shortlist as they look to replace their talismanic Belgian this summer, as reported by The Mirror.
And, after previously expressing dissatisfaction at a lack of game time last season, Giroud has given the clearest indication yet that his future lies away from north London.
“(Leaving) is an option to be honest with you,” the 30-year-old, who started only 11 Premier League games last season, said in quotes reported by The Mirror.
“I’m here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not and of course, I am Arsenal player and for the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later.”
The arrival of fellow Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette on a club-record deal from Lyon threatens to further impede Giroud’s minutes on the pitch at Arsenal next season.
Lacazette will want to take Giroud’s place for both Arsenal and France
Furthermore, with a World Cup on the horizon, the former Montpellier striker will be painfully aware that a lack of opportunities could lead to his starting berth coming under pressure from France’s glut of talented forwards.
Everton, meanwhile, could offer the first-team football Giroud craves.
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