Both Arsenal and Everton could benefit from swapping the two players.
The Toffees remain keen on Olivier Giroud, according to the Mirror, despite the Frenchman’s desire to remain with the Gunners.
After Arsene Wenger shelled out a reported £52 million on Alexandre Lacazette though, the 30-year-old hitman may very well be forced out of the Emirates.
And with Arsenal’s interest in Everton midfielder Ross Barkley still strong, according to the Metro, the two clubs should consider a straight swap deal involving the pair, with their respective valuations thought to be around the £20 million mark.
Ronald Koeman still needs another striker at Goodison Park, even in light of the recent capture of Sandro Ramirez, with Romelu Lukaku’s future still very much uncertain.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, is looking for more of a creative threat from midfield, with Santi Cazorla on the decline and Aaron Ramsey failing to perform on a consistent enough basis over the past couple of years.
So a swap deal involving both Giroud and Barkley would seemingly be the ideal outcome for all parties concerned.
The Merseyside outfit could be a real force this season, and the addition of the former Montpellier man could complete them as a squad.
Giroud would compliment Sandro’s qualities perfectly, and the pair could strike up a real fearsome partnership.
And Barkley’s potential arrival at the Emirates would surely have an equally positive influence on the Gunners. The 23-year-old’s career seems to have stagnated over the past 12 months, and a change of scenery, playing under new philosophies and ideas might be just what he needs to return to his best.
Modern day transfers are usually fairly complicated to complete, but this one seems to be so ideally suited to both clubs that there should not be any problem in reaching an agreement.
And it could be one that reaps huge benefits for not only Arsenal and Everton, but also for the France and England internationals.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud
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