Everton Losing Patience with Giroud

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Everton have given Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, 30, this week to decide if he wants to move to Goodison Park. Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is keen to add the French international to his squad and willing to stretch his budget to £25m if Giroud responds positively to the Merseyside club’s interest, reports the Daily Mirror.

However, Giroud is in no mood to be rushed as he waits find out his Arsenal fate. When the Gunners broke their club record transfer fee in signing Alexandre Lacazette, 26, many observers cast his rival at international level as the fall guy, soon to be shunted through the Emirates exit. A goal at the weekend in the 5 – 2 thrashing of Benfica during the Emirates Cup may prove the doubters’ assertions premature.

Arsenal are in turmoil with Alexis Sanchez, 28, and Mesut Ozil, 28, both in the final year of their contracts and both attracting the attention of bigger clubs. Manchester City’s interest in the Chilean is well known but as of yet, no formal bid has been lodged.

Ozil meanwhile is believed to be Barcelona’s second choice if they cannot attract Philippe Coutinho, 25, from Liverpool. That is complicated by the situation of Neymar Jr, 26, who is on the verge of a move to PSG. The pair built a close friendship during their time with the Brazilian senior squad.

If either Sanchez or Ozil leaves Arsenal this summer, it’s unlikely Giroud will be allowed to follow them in departing north London.