Marseille believe they are in pole position to sign France striker Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.

Everton, West Ham and Lyon have also been heavily linked with Giroud but Marseille are increasingly confident of getting a deal worth around €28 million (£24.7m), plus add-ons, over the line.

Giroud’s future at the Emirates has been plunged into fresh doubt following Arsenal’s club-record £52.6m purchase of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon this week.

The Frenchman, 30, signed a new contract with Arsenal in January but he expressed his frustration last season at a lack of regular starting opportunities and his prospects of playing more have been further undermined by the arrival of Lacazette.