Two Alternatives For Olivier Giroud Who Everton Can Consider
Everton have reportedly turned their attention to Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in order to replace star forward Romelu Lukaku and are planning a £20million swoop for the Frenchman, according to The Sun.
The 24-year old Belgian is believed to be headed out of the Goodison Park, after having refused to sign a new contract last season, with former club Chelsea touted to be the most likely destination. And the Toffees, who have been by far the most active Premier League club in the summer, are targeting the 30-year old Giroud, to take over the goal-scoring mantle from Lukaku.
However, the striker himself doesn’t seem like wanting to leave the Emirates, despite the imminent arrival of compatriot Alexandre Lacazette. Giroud was quoted as saying by the club’s official website:
“I won a few titles in my career, that is an important thing, but there is another thing which is important for me.
“And that’s the people [see you as a] loyal warrior on the pitch – that you always give your best for the team. And that’s why I want to carry on my good journey at Arsenal and I always want to give my best. I would love to win another title, or maybe more until the end of my contract.
“The motivation is here, always doing your best to make your family proud.”
This will have surely dented Everton’s hopes of signing the Frenchman who scored 16 goals for the Gunners’ last season. Despite having signed Sandro Ramirez from Malaga, Everton need a new striker with enough experience so that he can fill in the giant shoes that Lukaku is likely to leave vacant in the coming weeks. And with Giroud pouring cold water over all the speculations, here are two options that Everton should consider taking a look at.
Anthony Modeste
The 29-year old FC Koln striker is someone that Everton have scouted in the past and they should maybe pursue him with determination, now that Giroud looks like staying put at Arsenal.
Modeste finished as the third-highest goal-getter in the German Bundesliga last season with 25 goals, behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski. The Frenchman is in any many ways similar to Giroud, with his supreme aerial abilities and fine finishing. Modeste possesses decent pace as well, compared to the Arsenal striker, which would make him a harder proposition for the opposition.
With plenty of experience behind him and proven goal-scoring acumen, Modeste could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business for Ronald Koeman and Everton.
Vincent Aboubakar
The 25-year old Porto forward is another player that fits the profile of the forwards that Everton are looking at and should be looked upon by the Merseyside outfit.
Aboubakar spent last season away on loan with Turkish giants Besiktas, where he enjoyed an excellent campaign, leading his temporary home to the Turkish league title. The Cameroonian international finished the season with a tally of 19 goals and 4 assists from all competitions. He was also part of the Cameroon national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. At 25, Aboubakar still has a long way to go, but has shown all the traits to become a lethal centre-forward.
He has the pace, the power, and the dribbling abilities that will make him a nuisance to deal with for defenders and is strong in the air as well. Combine that with his versatility of being able to play on the flanks as well, he will provide Koeman with depth in those areas as well. With just one year left on his current contract with Porto, Everton should look to move fast, especially with Newcastle United targeting him.