Olivier Giroud to Everton only makes sense

Of all the strikers linked with Everton, surely this one makes the most sense. With the impending departure of Romelu Lukaku, Ronald Koeman is going to be hard-pressed to find a similar player that can get him 26 goals like the Belgian did last season.

Sandro Ramirez showcased his abilities that made him one of the most highly-sought after forwards in the offseason, and it now appears Everton have sealed his signing with the announcement likely to be made once the Under-21 European Championship ends in a few days.

The Blues have also been linked with Burnley’s Andre Gray, West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon and Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jorgensen in recent days, but none has the proven track record that Olivier Giroud has shown in the Premier League in recent years.

The 30-year-old Giroud has been with Arsenal since 2012 and is signed through to the end of the 2018-19 season, getting double digit goals in each of the the five Premier League seasons he’s played in.

With an xG/90 (expected goals per 90 minutes played) of 0.47 from last season, Giroud could be worth additional consideration for Ronald Koeman as he looks to get more goals from multiple sources on the pitch. His immense aerial ability and poaching mentality are definitely worth a look, though with his age pursuing a long-term deal would not be worth it.

Arsenal are rumoured to be preparing a big bid for Alexandre Lacazette, which would only further reduce Giroud’s playing time at the Emirates after being largely used as a sub last season as well.

Everton will face competition from West Ham United and possibly Marseille in France for the player’s signature, and that is if he decides to leave Arsenal at all.