Report: Everton move up to second in the race to sign Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud

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West Ham United have pulled out of the race for Olivier Giroud, with Everton now increasingly confident of doing a deal.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Everton have moved up to second in the queue for Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud.

Everton had been competing with a range of clubs for the French striker, but the Toffees now feel confident they are ahead of both West Ham United and Marseille in the race for his signature.

West Ham have decided against signing the target-man, and look set to sign Javier Hernandez instead, while Marseille may not be able to afford him.

And Everton are now poised to make an offer to Giroud, if Borussia Dortmund pull out of the race – which looks increasingly likely.

Dortmund had thought they would need a new striker this summer, but now look set to keep hold of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.

Arsenal are said to be looking for around £20 million for the 30-year-old striker, who has never scored fewer than 10 goals in a Premier League season since moving to the Emirates Stadium.

Everton have already been one of the most active teams in this summer’s transfer window, but Ronald Koeman is thought to be keen to add another forward as he looks to compensate for the loss of Romelu Lukaku.