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Toffee snub

Arsenal star Olivier Giroud reveals he was ‘very close’ to joining Everton this summer

Giroud looked to be on his way out of Arsenal following the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon but the forward decided to snub move to Goodison Park

ARSENAL forward Olivier Giroud has spoken about his near exit from the Emirates and revealed he was “very close” to joining Everton in the summer.

Giroud only started 11 Premier League games last season and with the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette for a club record fee from Lyon, the French international’s days in North London looked numbered.

 Olivier Giroud decided against a move Everton in the summer
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Olivier Giroud decided against a move Everton in the summerCredit: Getty Images

The Toffees were looking to beef up their forward line with Romelu Lukaku joining Manchester United, while Marseille were also monitoring the situation.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman pushed hard to land the 31-year-old and with a World Cup on the horizon, he decided to stay with the Gunners and fight for his place.

Giroud was speaking to the media ahead of France’s final World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

He told Canal Football Club: “I had the opportunity to leave. I was very close to another English club – Everton, but I think I made the best choice.”

 Ronald Koeman was keen to land Giroud to replace Romelu Lukaku
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Ronald Koeman was keen to land Giroud to replace Romelu LukakuCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Alexandre Lacazette's arrival at the club put Olivier Giroud's future in doubt
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Alexandre Lacazette's arrival at the club put Olivier Giroud's future in doubtCredit: Getty Images
 Olivier Giroud spent large chunks of last season on the bench at Arsenal with Alexis Sanchez preferred in attack
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Olivier Giroud spent large chunks of last season on the bench at Arsenal with Alexis Sanchez preferred in attackCredit: Reuters

Giroud joined Arsenal from Montpellier after Euro 2012 to replace Robin Van Perise who left to join Manchester United.

Lyon were the other Ligue 1 were who showed interest in the national star, but the striker has no plans to return to France yet.

He added: “I have a lot of respect for Marseille, I was a fan for years.

“I also have a lot of respect for Lyon, who were also interested at one time, 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.