Everton: Will Olivier Giroud really join them in January?

Everton will reportedly make a renewed bid to sign Olivier Giroud when the next transfer window opens, with the claim they will be successful this time.

At the weekend, we posted an article disputing a claim by former Everton defender Michael Ball, regarding their approach during the Summer for Olivier Giroud. As far as we were concerned, it wouldn’t have mattered when the Blues made their approach, as the Arsenal striker still wouldn’t have moved to Merseyside.

No matter how close Giroud said he was to leaving the Gunners to join Everton, it was never going to happen. One of the main reasons for this, related to his wife’s reluctance to move to the area.

The French international admitted he consulted his family and the reality is, whatever his wife wanted, she was going to get. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say his alleged conduct from several years ago placed him in a position, where he will do everything possible to ensure his family is happy.

However, if the latest speculation is anything to go by, we’re going to have our theory put to the test very soon. That’s because Everton will apparently be returning to make another offer for Giroud, when the transfer window reopens in January.

According to a report by the Mirror‘s Neil Moxley, Ronald Koeman will offer £40 million for the Arsenal striker. Even more interesting, is the claim he will get his man this time.

Now, we are confident Giroud’s wife will once more have a significant say, in the event any renewed bid comes to fruition. If she is still set against a move to Merseyside, this will factor into any decision.

However, there are other aspects to consider, which could influence what happens in January. Consider that part of the reason Giroud contemplated leaving in the summer, was due to starting just 17 times in all competitions last season.

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So far this season, it has been more of the same. With the 2018 World Cup beckoning, Giroud would prefer to be playing more regularly, which is something Everton can theoretically offer to him.

Another factor to contemplate, is Arsenal themselves, who are operating from a position of strength. It has been less than a year since Giroud signed a long-term extension, to remain in North London.

Consider the speculation noted by Moxley, that Arsene Wenger may have played a part in blocking any move during the Summer, because he doubted Alexis Sanchez would stick around. Although Sanchez did stay in the end, he could conceivably leave in January, especially if the Gunners want to make some money from his departure.

If this does happen, Wenger will be in a position again, where he needs cover up front. In that case, we don’t believe he would allow Giroud to leave.

Overall, we just don’t think it is as clear cut as claimed, that Everton will succeed in signing the 30-year-old in January. The odds still seem stacked against this happening, although we would have absolutely no issue with being proven wrong.

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What do you make of the latest speculation pertaining to Giroud? Do you believe the Blues will get their man at the second attempt in January? Or is there no real substance to this claim? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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