Arsenal round-up: Everton target striker; Portuguese duo linked; former player could join coaching staff

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Everton are the latest Premier League side to join the race for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. The Mirror report that the Toffees are set to make a £20 million move for the Frenchman and he could be the player the they buy to replace Romelu Lukaku.

Although he is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, the 30-year-old is almost certain to depart as the Gunners are ready to complete a move for Alexandre Lacazette. West Ham and Marseille are also interested in the striker.

This would be a better move for Giroud as Everton are a stable club and one that can strive to compete with the top six. Lukaku is all but certain to leave Goodison Park this summer and that will create space for a top forward to join the club.

Despite his critics, the Frenchman is one of the most reliable goal-scorers in the Premier League and he would be a good signing for the Toffees. Arsenal need to sell players in order to provide Arsene Wenger with more spending power and this is one that could be done sooner rather than later.

The next month is crucial for Arsenal as they attempt to form a squad that is good enough to challenge for the Premier League title. Portuguese daily A Bola, as referenced by the Metro and the Mirror, report that the club are preparing a double swoop for Gelson Martins and William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon.

The rumoured fee is £70 million, which would be a significant portion of the Gunners’ budget for the summer. The former also has interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Carvalho is a player that has been tracked closely by Premier League clubs in recent years.

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Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, this is a rumour that shouldn’t be paid too much attention. Neither the Metro or A Bola is a reliable source, with the Portuguese press often being used by agents to push their own players. It is more likely that the report is being used to attract interest in the players from other clubs.

They are both fine talents that would improve the Arsenal squad, but it is doubtful that they would improve the starting eleven. For the figures being mentioned, they are not worth pursuing for Arsene Wenger.

As Arsenal continue to refresh their coaching staff, Jens Lehmann could be set for a return to the club. The Mirror report that the German is in the thinking of the club and could be brought in to help with the goalkeepers. Gerry Peyton, the current goalkeeping coach, has signed a new contract, but there is a desire to bring in their ex-player to help him.

It is difficult to know if this move would be good for the club or not, but he is liked by the supporters and he would be able to instil a better mentality around the club. Lehmann was a winner and he played for the Gunners during a good period for the club. He would be able to help the outfield players as well as the goalkeepers as he has been there and done it all during his playing career.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane