Everton plotting £20m raid for Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud to replace Romelu Lukaku

Everton have been reportedly linked with a move for France international forward Olivier Giroud, according to The Sun.

The Toffees, who finished seventh in the English top-flight in 2016-17, could make a £20m bid for the Arsenal striker, with fellow hitman Romelu Lukaku set to depart Goodison Park before the close of the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old, who has 64 international caps for his country, scored 16 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners last season.

Everton forward Lukaku.

Giroud, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium back in 2012 from French outfit Montpellier, has netted 98 times in 227 games overall for Arsene Wenger’s side.

However, with Belgium international Lukaku destined to join another Premier League club ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, Everton boss Ronald Koeman has identified Giroud as a potential replacement, with the club preparing a £20m offer.

The Frenchman has won three FA Cups and two FA Community Shields with the North London outfit, but could see his game time restricted further next term, if he were to stay, with Arsenal closing in on a club-record deal for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette.