Why Everton should make a move for Olivier Giroud in January

Cenk Tosun’s future at Goodison Park is up in the air after he slipped to third choice centre-forward following the late-summer arrival of Moise Kean from Juventus.

The Turkey international, 28, has made just one appearance in the EFL Cup this season and may feel he’s not going to be given a chance unless injury struck. He is willing to fight for his place in Marco Silva’s side even though Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Tosun has struggled to live up to expectations in Merseyside since his arrival in January of last year, with his 45 matches for Everton yielding just nine goals. Last term he made just 29 appearances, with the majority of those coming as a substitute.

The German-born Turkish centre-forward’s absence against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup in midweek was fairly telling and it would make sense for the Toffees to sell him and generate some cash that can help him reinforce the squad in January.

By offloading Tosun in January, Silva should try signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud as his replacement.

Back in October 2017, Olivier Giroud confirmed he almost joined Everton from Arsenal but opted to remain at the Emirates in the end. During the 2018 January transfer window, he decided to bring the curtains down to his Arsenal career and join Chelsea.

The Frenchman, 32, has started just one Premier League game this season, with manager Frank Lampard preferring the young Tammy Abraham ahead of him to lead the attack. In fact, Giroud has failed to make Chelsea’s last two matchday squads as he was also absent for the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The 32-year-old centre-forward is far from a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge, and the opportunity to play regularly at Everton would surely be tempting for him. In Giroud, Silva would finally get a focal point to his attack and a reliable goalscorer.

The Frenchman has the ability to make some well-timed runs behind the opposition backline and has the composure to finish off chances inside the box.

Read More Everton News

• Why Everton should go all out to sign Diego Llorente in January
• Why Everton should beat Newcastle United for Boubacar Kamara
• Why Yussuf Poulsen would be a smart addition to Everton ranks

He is arguably the best striker in the Premier League when playing with his back to goal and his ability to hold the ball up would help bring out the best in the likes of Richarlison, Bernard and Alex Iwobi.

All in all, the World Cup winner should be able to score 15 league goals if Silva sets his team according to his strengths.

Verdict

Giroud has proved himself in the Premier League, so he won’t be a gamble in any case for Silva’s side. Plus, he could help lift Everton after their poor start to the new campaign.