Olivier Giroud is unlikely to join Everton because his wife doesn’t want him to move north of London, according to Toffees’ boss Sam Allardyce.

Giroud was linked with a move to Everton during the summer transfer window. He was apparently very close to joining, as former Everton manager Ronald Koeman said he had him in the office.

However, an intervention from his wife prevented the move from happening. With the January transfer window soon opening and Everton still in need of a striker, the links have resurfaced.

giroud huddersfield
Olivier Giroud against Huddersfield. Picture: BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

New Everton manager Sam Allardyce, though, doesn’t expect a move to happen. “I wouldn’t have thought so because he refused to come last time,” he told Sky Sports.

“He doesn’t want to move north of London, I don’t think. Or his wife doesn’t. It is very important to the wives you know. Normally they are the bosses, I say that with experience.”

Giroud is no longer the first-choice striker at Arsenal after the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. The 31-year-old has still managed to make 15 appearances in the Premier League, but 14 of those have come off the bench.

His situation could mean he won’t be a starter for France at this summer’s World Cup in Russia. It seems he prioritised his family’s needs over his own and opted to stay at Arsenal, but his hopes of regular playing time for club and country appear slim.

The French striker is currently out with a hamstring injury, which could complicate any January move. If he is to consider his future next month, it’s unlikely to happen until the final week of the transfer window when he’s back training.