Report: Everton leads race to sign Arsenal's Giroud

Olivier Giroud's services at Arsenal may no longer be required with the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.

But he won't be short on options as Everton is reportedly lining up a move for the French striker.

The Merseyside outfit is thought to be the front-runner to sign Giroud, who has publicly stated his preference to remain at Arsenal despite his lack of playing time last season.

James Olley of the Evening Standard reports that Everton is expected to edge out West Ham to sign Giroud, and that the Toffees haven't been put off by Arsenal's £20-million valuation.

Giroud attracted interest from Ligue 1 side Marseille, who was reportedly also willing to meet the £20-million valuation.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was also said to be interested in Giroud, but the forward insisted his "future is in the Premier League" as he sets his sights on adding to his list of accolades in England.

Reported interest in Giroud comes after Everton's £100-million splurge this summer following the arrivals of Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Sandro Ramirez, and Henry Onyekuru - who was subsequently loaned to Anderlecht.

Arsenal officially announced Lacazette's arrival Wednesday for a reported club-record transfer fee.