By Harvey Byrne

Everton are planning to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud if Romelu Lukaku departs the club this summer, according to a report.

News outlet TransferMarketweb have claimed on their website that sources have told them that the Toffees are eyeing the 30-year-old Gunners man if star Lukaku makes his expected exit.

It is detailed that Giroud himself is also likely to leave north London this summer, but alongside Everton he is also being tracked by West Ham and home country side Marseille.

The 64-time capped France international departed his home nation for England back in 2012 in a £9.6million deal from Montpellier.

He has since gone on to impress in the Premier League with a return of 69 goals in 164 appearances in the English top-flight.

Last season alone he managed a return of just 12 goals in 29 Premier League encounters.

However, as Arsene Wenger reportedly looks at the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe alongside Giroud having just two years left on his contract, he may be set for a Emirates departure this summer.

Football Insider verdict:

Giroud is a talented Premier League goalscorer, but he would certainly be a short-term fix for Everton, rather than long-term. The 30-year-old is nearing the final stages of his career and while he has the power and link-up play that Lukaku also possesses, he lacks the pace and direct running. However, Everton are also in need of bolstering their squad this summer as they are set to embark on a Europa League campaign and given Giroud’s experience he could certainly prove to be a valuable addition. Therefore, the Merseyside club should certainly consider striking a deal for the experienced Frenchman.

In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees are on the verge of completing their third summer signing after activating seven-figure release clause.

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