---
title: "Giroud: I was close to signing for Everton"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/giroud-i-close-signing-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-10-08T21:49:38Z"
modified: "2017-10-08T21:49:38Z"
---

# Giroud: I was close to signing for Everton

Everton’s pursuit of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been well documented over the course of the last few months.

The Toffees hold a clear interest in the France international, and made moves to land the forward during the summer transfer window. Everton are yet to properly replace Romelu Lukaku, and Giroud was a man near the top of their wish list.

Giroud opted to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place, but speaking to French outlet Canal Plus, as covered by [RMC Sport](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/giroud-j-ai-ete-tres-proche-de-signer-a-everton-1273563.html), the experienced forward admitted that he was close to joining Everton.

![Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2017/10/847083636.jpg)

> I had the opportunity to leave. I was very close to another English club, Everton. But I think I made the best choice.

The powerful ex-Montpellier forward has not been largely favoured by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger this season. The arrival of Alexandre Lacazette has meant that Giroud has not had all that much of a look-in, and Danny Welbeck has also been preferred in recent times.

Everton are being linked with a January move for the 31-year-old centre forward.