Everton’s chances of signing Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud have been improved as main rivals Borussia Dortmund claimed they would not be selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports The Telegraph.

Aubemayang is a target for Chelsea, who wish to sign him as Diego Costa’s replacement. If Dortmund sold the Gabonese forward then it was believed they would try to sign Giroud as his replacement. However, with Aubameyang now staying put, it opens the door for Everton to sign the Frenchman as they have less competition for the 30-year-old.

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The report claims that Everton are second-choice for Giroud, behind Dortmund.

Premier League rivals West Ham have pulled out of the race for his signature, and French side Marseille are yet to table a bid, putting the Toffees in pole position.

The Gunners are demanding at least £20m for Giroud and would be looking to make a significant profit from the £9.6m that they spent signing him from Montpellier in 2012.