Everton must push all the way in the hunt for Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud.
But winning the race for the Frenchman could be a gamechanger for the Toffees and manager Ronald Koeman can’t give up without a serious fight for his signature.
Wayne Rooney re-joining Everton would be a massive coup on its own, but alongside Giroud in a two-pronged attack would make them genuine top-four contenders next term.
The Arsenal man has always been the focal point of the Gunners’ attack during a five-year spell in North London.
He has been a divisive figure for pretty much the entireity of his career at the Emirates, but Giroud is a fine centre-back – and he’s even better in a two-pronged attack.
He has failed to fire Arsene Wenger’s side to the Premier League title, but he almost played a huge role in helping France win Euro 2016 last summer.
Alongside Antoine Griezmann up front, the 30-year-old was superb as Les Bleus reached the final, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists in six games. The Atletico man, meanwhile, scored six and also set up two goals in the same amount of matches.
It was an excellent partnership and although Rooney is certainly no Griezmann, the 31-year-old can still be a menace to Premier League defences in a striking role.
Koeman’s side are arguably already top-four challengers by virtue of the fact they have signed Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez, but the additions of Rooney and, crucially, Giroud, could give them that bit extra in the top four hunt.
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