Everton are reportedly lining up a bid for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, with manager Ronald Koeman preparing for the exit of Romelu Lukaku.

According to the Metro, Everton have joined the race for the French international and could offer around £20m to bring Giroud to Goodison Park.

They are expecting Lukaku to return to Chelsea this summer and need a prolific forward signed in his stead. With Giroud scoring 12 goals in 11 Premier League starts last season, Everton are very keen to procure his signature.

It’s unknown if the 30-year-old would leave Arsenal to join the Toffees, however, given the Blues aren’t challenging for major honours. But the promise of first-team football could tempt him as he spent last season as a third-choice behind Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he wants to keep Giroud at the Emirates Stadium this summer, amid rumours that West Ham, Lyon and Marseille were keen to sign him. But Everton are in the Europa League next season and are targeting a top-four push in the Premier League.