Olivier Giroud is a man in demand by everybody except Arsenal, it seems. Reduced to a substitute last season, the French international is likely to become even more of a bit-part player with the Gunners signing Alexandre Lacazette in a £52m deal from Lyon.
The Times reports that Everton are the latest club to express an interest in acquiring his services. A sizeable list of suitors has emerged including West Ham United and Crystal Palace of the Premier League, as well as Lyon and Marseille in his native France.
Despite manager Arsène Wenger sweet-talking his compatriot by declaring Arsenal “need” Giroud, a prominent part in next season seems unlikely with a record signing on the books. It means Giroud is surplus to requirements, kept out of the side by Lacazette, a direct rival in the French squad.
Arsenal are believed to be willing to accept £25m for the striker who is 31 in September. Despite relatively good stats, Giroud has never been a consistent goalscorer, prone to long barren spells which cost the club any realistic chance of Premier League glory.
With France well on course to reach the finals of the 2018 World Cup, regular first team football is vital for the striker if he wants to keep his place in the French side.
