Everton manager, Sam Allardyce has ruled out a second approach to sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal in the upcoming transfer window. Allardyce revealed that initial talks of a transfer with the French forward did not go according to plan. Giroud’s wife does not want to relocate anywhere far from London and that turned out to be a red light for future transfer possibilities.
Allardyce is currently scouting possible replacements to take the goal scoring pressure off of Wayne Rooney. With 11 goals to his name this season, Rooney is the leading man in the attacking lineup but might not have the legs to cope with the stress of top-flight English football.
Giroud’s chances at Arsenal got cut short this season after the arrival of compatriot, Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. The 31-year-old has been dropped from the starting lineup except in the club’s Europa league fixtures and domestic cup appearances. But the lack of minutes in the Premier League has not slowed him down one bit. Giroud has one of the best goal conversion rates with 4 goals in 14 substitute appearances in the league.
He has been impressive for the national team as well scoring a hat trick against Paraguay in 2nd June. A hat-trick for Les Blues after 17 years.
But France national team manager Guy Stephan had stated that Giroud might lose his spot for the side if he fails to appear regularly for the remainder of the season. A striker with rusty boots will not help the country in their World Cup run which is scheduled to start right after the season ends.
The former Montpellier striker is highly regarded by Arsene Wenger and is still in his plans for the club’s future. But with one last chance to play in a centre stage of the planet, Giroud might be motivated to find himself another club.
Giving up on the pursuit of Giroud might not affect Allardyce’s plans significantly as he is already considering multiple strikers for a possible transfer in January. Celtics striker, Moussa Dembele and 35-year-old veteran Jermain Defoe are some of the names he might look into.
Giroud’s teammate, Theo Walcott has also been linked to the club. Although he does not possess the exact skills of the Frenchman, Walcott is not unfamiliar to the lone striker role.
With the heavy investment potential of Everton this season, Allardyce will definitely find a suitable striker to fill his needs. With Giroud ruled out, who do you think can find himself at Goodison Park come January?
