Everton ready to step up Olivier Giroud interest as Romelu Lukaku prepares to seal Manchester United switchArsenal striker is high on Ronald Koeman's list of targets - but Blues will face competition for Frenchman
Everton are ready to step up their interest in Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as Romelu Lukaku prepares to complete his world record transfer to Manchester United.
Lukaku is expected to finalise his switch to Old Trafford in the next 24 hours after United agreed a deal worth £100m for the Belgian.
Everton are due to confirm the signing of Wayne Rooney, but will look to strengthen further following Lukaku's exit.
And Giroud, the France international, is right at the top of their list.
The 30-year-old is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners already having spent big on bringing Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
He is valued at around £20m, and Blues boss Ronald Koeman believes he would be the perfect addition to his squad.Everton have already added Sandro Ramirez to their ranks this summer, while Henry Onyekuru was loaned to Anderlecht after signing from Eupen.
But Koeman is aware of the need for different forward options. Lukaku's 26 goals last season made him the Premier League's second most prolific marksman, but no other Everton player managed more than six in all competitions.
Arouna Kone has already left the club, while Oumar Niasse will be sold too.Everton know they face competition if they are to land Giroud, with Marseille strongly interested, but are willing to test the waters for a player who has scored 98 goals across five seasons with Arsenal.
The Blues also remain interested in Gylfi Sigurdsson, though Swansea are adamant the Iceland star is not for sale, while the situation surrounding Bournemouth forward Josh King, who netted 16 goals last season, is being closely monitored.
The deal for Lukaku is expected to go through before the weekend is out, with Everton pocketing a £75m up-front fee for the 24-year-old.
They have also agreed £15m in performance-related add-ons, while United have agreed to waive their £10m valuation of Rooney so that he can return to Merseyside. Both deals are expected to go through with no further hitches.
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