According to reports in the Sunday Mirror, Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes he will sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in a £40m deal in the January transfer window after failing to get the Frenchman during the summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Sunday Mirror says that Koeman will push forward with a £40m move for the Gunners centre-forward in the New Year having already come under fire from some supporters for his side’s struggles in front of goal so far this season.
While Sandro Ramirez and Wayne Rooney arrived at Goodison Park following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, Koeman didn’t manage to sign the direct replacement he wanted for the Belgian with Giroud said to be his top target.
The Sunday Mirror adds that the deal collapsed during the final few days in August with no agreement in place between the two Premier League clubs amid fears from Arsene Wenger that Alexis Sanchez would leave before the window slammed shut.
With Giroud only playing a bit-part role for the north London outfit so far this season, it appears as though he will look to leave in search of regular first team football in January to ensure that he keeps his place in the France squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Why do Everton want Giroud?
The Toffees were so successful when they had Lukaku as their main striker as he could hold the ball up, as well as being strong in the air and on the ground when it came to finishing chances.
In a way Giroud is similar in stature to the Belgian, and he showed his scoring abilities for Arsenal last term by scoring 16 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions – albeit with the majority of those outings coming from the substitutes’ bench.
Koeman’s side have certainly been missing a focal point to their attack – although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has impressed when he has started – and Giroud would fill the void and would have a point to prove.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, if Everton can get a striker that has proven he score goals regularly in the Premier League, Europe and international level for £40m in the current market they would be delighted, and his addition could prove to be the key to improving their fortunes in the New Year.
