Arsenal news: Olivier Giroud lifts the lid on his failed Everton transfer

OLIVIER GIROUD has admitted he came very close to leaving Arsenal for Everton in the summer.

Olivier GiroudGETTY

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has admitted he came close to joining Everton

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was linked with a move to Everton as the Toffees sought a replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

The move looked to make sense on paper as the Frenchman had lost his place in the Gunners starting XI, largely being used as a substitute by Arsene Wenger.

However, the 31-year-old chose to remain in north London but has since revealed he came “very close” to making the move to Goodison Park.

“I had the opportunity to leave,” Giroud told French broadcaster Canal Football Club ahead of France’s final World Cup qualifier with Belarus.

Olivier GiroudGETTY

Olivier Giroud has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal

Arsenal's Giroud scores with scissor kick in Carabao Cup

“I was very close to another English club, Everton, but I think I made the best choice.

Giroud’s situation at Arsenal has not changed from last season and he now finds himself behind Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez in the pecking order.

He is yet to start a Premier League game this term but has made 11 appearances, scoring two goals.

And he has admitted he is happy in England and also shunned offers from French giants Marseille and Lyon in the summer.

“I have a lot of respect for Marseille, I was a fan for years,” he added.

“I also have a lot of respect for Lyon, who were also interested at one time but I didn't want to return to France.

“I’m happy in England, it's nothing against those clubs. But a return to France is possible one day.”

Giroud has been with Arsenal for five years, scoring 100 goals in 238 appearances and is under contract at the Emirates until June 2019.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?