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Giroud would be ideal Everton back-up

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea FC gestures during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea FC gestures during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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There are a number of high-profile players who are available for free in the summer as their contracts expire. So which of these individuals might be a good bet for Everton?

Well there are some big names in this group including one player who becomes a free agent in six months time: Lionel Messi. Just imagine for a moment a situation in which a deal was done for him to come to Everton!

But of course in the real world the Toffees will have to lower their sights if they are interested in signing one of these players.

Among this set of footballers are a few names who might well interest the Blues top brass as they look at potential recruits to build on the gains being made on the pitch this season.

One player who has been tentatively linked in the past to Everton is Memphis Depay. The former Manchester United forward has rebuilt his career at Lyon after a poor time at Old Trafford.

Depay is a forward with the kind of qualities that the Toffees do ideally need more of. He’s got pace, creative flair and an eye for goal and can play anywhere across the forward line.

But he is most likely going to Barcelona next summer to be re-united with his former Netherlands manager and ex-Blues boss Ronald Koeman.

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One other forward who again has been mentioned regularly in connection with Everton in past transfer stories, is the Chelsea centre-forward Olivier Giroud.

The veteran Frenchman has been a stalwart player for both Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League and at 34 is still a top class centre-forward scoring goals for both club and country.

Giroud is a tall, powerful and direct player who combines lethal finishing and excellent ability in the air. These qualities make him an ideal foil or replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, either as a substitute or if the England man is out injured or being rested.

I think he would make a very good addition to suppliment Calvert-Lewin, although given his age he’s obviously not a long-term option. Leaving that aside for the next few seasons at least, Giroud has the abiltiy and experience to give the Blues a potentially match-winning edge in big games.

One uncertain factor that might influence his decision to move on when his contract is up, is whether or not new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel sees a future for him at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud has played regularly recently but it’s unclear whether that’s a longer-term reality or if Tuchel is just using what he has waiting to bring in other strikers.

Even though Chelsea spent big again last summer, Tuchel might well want to move on certain incumbants and bring in players he knows and with Giroud out of contract in six months time, both parties could well decide it’s time to move on.

An Ancelotti led Everton team competing for prizes and European football might be an attractive place for him to come to.

So if Giroud is available and for free and is open to a move to Goodison Park, it might make quite a lot of sense to bring him in as Everton push on again next season for trophies and Europe.

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