Talks with the agents of Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud have left West Ham confident that they are leading the race for the striker, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Sun reported on Sunday that Premier League rivals Everton had entered the race for the 30-year-old Gunners man and were even preparing a £20million bid.
However, independent West Ham news website Claret and Hugh has reported on Monday that talks with the agents of the France international have encouraged the Hammers and that the club believes the London factor is in their favour despite Everton’s spending spree this summer.
It is also said that the east London club are “ready to go in hard” for Giroud once Arsenal land a new striker as Slaven Bilic plans to add a new forward himself.
The experienced frontman has been plying his trade in England since 2012 after joining from French club Montpellier in the summer of 2012 for £9.6million.
Since then he has bagged an impressive 98 goals in 227 encounters and last season alone he managed to return 12 goals in 29 appearances in the Premier League.
West Ham, meanwhile are looking to add more firepower to their team this summer with winger Michail Antonio finishing as last season’s top scorer and Giroud who has two years left on his contract at Arsenal is looking a realistic prospect.