Everton are the odds-on favourites to sign Olivier Giroud even though Arsenal are reportedly in formal talks to sell him to Borussia Dortmund.
The Mirror claim that the Bundesliga giants are hopeful of agreeing a deal for Giroud as they eye a ready-made replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is being targeted for a £65million move by Chelsea.
This development appeared to come as a blow to Everton, who have strong interest in the signing the prolific striker this summer.
But bookmakers Ladbrokes have been undeterred by Giroud’s link to Dortmund and have priced Everton as the 10/11 favourites to sign the France international before the transfer window shuts in early September.
Dortmund are the 9/4 second favourites for the striker’s signature, ahead of French big hitters Marseille, who are 5/1.
The bookies appear to have disregarded claims that Dortmund is the preferred destination of Giroud, whose future at Arsenal has been thrown into doubt by the club-record signing of Alexandre Lacazette.
Instead, Everton’s transfer blitz, that has brought in six major signings already this summer at a cost of over £100million, has been more persuasive.
Manager Ronald Koeman is reportedly in the market for a proven striker who can work in tandem with headline summer signing Wayne Rooney following the £90million exit of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.
Giroud joined Arsenal from French side Montpellier in a deal worth in the region of £9.6million, and has gone on to make 227 appearances for the club, scoring 98 goals across all competitions.