Everton to bid for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as replacement for outgoing star Romelu Lukaku

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Everton are ready to open the bidding for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud after Romelu Lukaku leaves the club.

Lukaku will finalise his potential £90million move to Manchester United and Everton would ideally like Giroud as a replacement.

The France international, who turns 31 in September, has interest from Marseille, Lyon and West Ham but Everton are hopeful, if they can strike a deal at the right price with Arsenal, that they can convince Giroud to join their ambitious project.

Everton are ready to bid for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud after Romelu Lukaku leaves

Giroud has expressed a desire to fight for his place and has three years left on contract after agreeing an extension earlier this year.

Wayne Rooney is also joining Everton, from Manchester United, and they are intent on bringing in Gylfi Sigurdsson too from Swansea.

Meanwhile Everton midfielder Gareth Barry is attracting interest from West Bromwich Albion and Burnley.

Lukaku will finalise his move to Manchester United and Everton would like Giroud in his place