West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United will need proven firepower next season for different reasons and the answer could come from Arsenal.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
The Hammers failed to deliver the big name, marquee striker signing co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold promised fans last summer.
Slaven Bilic’s side have suffered as a result with an over reliance on injury-prone Andy Carroll who has once again spent as much time in the treatment room as he has on the pitch this season.
Strikers – and a proven Premier League goalscorer – will be top of West Ham’s priority list this summer.
That could be the case for Everton too who look likely to lose ambitious star Romelu Lukaku.
Ronald Koeman will want a player who has proved he can operate at the highest level as will Rafa Benitez when – as looks increasingly likely – he makes his return to the top flight with his Championship-leading Magpies.
Newcastle may have blasted away most of the sides in the second division, but Benitez knows better than anyone that more quality is a necessity in the Premier League.
So could all three lock horns in a bid to bring just that striker to the club this summer in the shape of France and Gunners forward Olivier Giroud.
That’s after the experienced star spoke out about his lack of game time under Arsene Wenger in an interview with Canal Plus.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud looks dejected
“It is true that I am seeking more playing time with my club and that I need to play matches consistently in order to feel good,” Giroud told Canal Plus.
“I am working a lot to win back a starting spot, but the coach has several options. So I am not more preoccupied by the situation than that, I have always known to work with humility and I am confident about the future.”
With it being a World Cup year Giroud will be under no illusions that he must be playing regularly to have a chance of going to Russia next summer.
He has been demoted to a substitute role at the Emirates this season but showed with his recent brace in World Cup qualifying for France that he still has plenty to offer.
Pastures new for Giroud?
Danny Welbeck was preferred up front for the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last time out and Arsenal fans have been vocal in their criticism of Giroud during his time in North London.
A decent bid from an attractive club like the Hammers, Toffees or Magpies could prove the best solution for all parties.
And given the fact West Ham are in London, that could give them the edge if Giroud does not want a big upheaval.
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