Everton identify Premier League striker as their top target: A wise move?

This Everton side, under the tutelage of Ronald Koeman, are under the process of becoming a mammoth side in the game and their lofty ambitions have been recognised far and wide.

Koeman has done some astute signings in the summer transfer window, including the incoming of galvanising names like Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Jordan Pickford. They are eyeing for a berth in the top four of the 2017-18 campaign of the Premier League campaign and their intents are crystal clear.

However, there is one major blow which the Toffees received this summer, as their star striker in the form of Romelu Lukaku decided to pack his bags and leave for Manchester United for a whooping fee which is believed to be in the vicinity of £75million.

Lukaku was the prime source of goals for the Blues and it goes without saying that the former Southampton manager would be keen to lure someone similar to the Belgium international to Goodison Park before the curtains of the summer transfer window fall.

Step in, Olivier Giroud

If one of the latest reports is to be believed, Everton have put Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud on their radar to lead their pack. Giroud, despite his decent performance up front, has been a subject of criticism amongst the Arsenal fans and has been a serial scapegoat.

The French striker was handed merely 11 starts last season in the English top flight by Arsene Wenger and the fact that the North London outfit have signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon gives us a perception that Giroud’s days at Emirates is numbered.

In a situation like this, it would be beneficial for all the parties if the 30-year-old makes a move to the Merseyside. Giroud is a proven Premier League player and apart from excellent heading abilities and a clinical edge in front of the goal like Lukaku, he would bring effective link-up play in the final third.

He is physically strong, has a wonderful first time pass and is not a selfish striker, as he regularly creates goal scoring chances for his teammates. Everton are in a dire need of bagging someone like him.

Besides, he offers defensive contributions as well and is thus a complete package. In 29 Premier League appearances last season (18 of which were as a substitute), the former Montpellier hitman banged 12 goals and registered 3 assists to his name. Giroud still has the calibre which would enable him to get easily into the tactical nous of Koeman.