Everton could turn attention towards PL striker who moved for £28m last summer – report

Mon 24 July 2017 8:20, UK

By Harvey Byrne

Everton could turn their attention toward Leicester striker Islam Slimani if Olivier Giroud decides to stay at Arsenal, according to a report.

The Express have claimed on their website that manager Ronald Koeman is still chasing a striker and has not stopped with his interest in the Gunners Frenchman.

The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his contract in north London and has falling behind summer signing Alexandre Lacazette in Arsene Wenger’s striker pecking order.

However, Wenger also opted to play Giroud upfront with Lacazette in the weekend’s pre-season friendly defeat against Chelsea and it is said that if the player wants to fight for his place at Arsenal then Koeman will cast his eye on Slimani.

The powerful Algerian only joined Leicester last summer in a mega £28million deal from Sporting Lisbon.

However, he struggled in his debut campaign at the Foxes, managing just nine strikes in 31 appearances in all competitions and the 29-year-old with four more years on his contract may be open to a move.

Football Insider verdict:

Slimani has not yet shown the ability in England which saw Leicester splash out a massive £28million to bring his qualities to the club, but Koeman may feel like he can get the best out of the Algerian. In the 2015-16 season the powerful forward bagged an incredible 31 times in 46 encounters in total for Sporting and after the sale of Lukaku this summer Everton may be keen to add more firepower to their side. Additionally, Slimani would provide a different alternative to both Sandro Ramirez and Wayne Rooney due to his playing style and it has been a while since Everton have had a number of decent striking options in their squad.