Everton are reportedly targeting Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke if they fail to sign Olivier Giroud this summer.
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Recent rumours that Giroud is keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for a place in the first team have obviously gotten under Everton’s skin because they’re reportedly already lining up a second option just in case in the form of Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke.
The striker, who the Eagles paid Liverpool £27m for in 2016 (which rose to £32m with additional payments), scored 17 goals and assisted twice in 40 appearances across all competitions last season. This means that he had a hand in a goal every 172.6 minutes, which is far lower than Giroud, who was directly involved in a goal every 77.4 minutes for the Gunners.
Arsenal are allegedly demanding £30m for Giroud, although the Toffees are apparently only willing to fork out £20m. £6m less than West Ham reportedly bid recently.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are also looking at former Manchester City man Edin Dzeko, who currently plays for Roma, as another option.
Benteke has three years left on his contract with Palace.