According to reports, Everton are withdrawing their interest in Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and could focus on another centre-forward when the winter transfer window opens.

However, the Toffees stand a real chance of procuring the French international’s signature in January given how the new campaign now on its full wing.

Giroud admitted he was close to an exit in the summer, after Alexis Sanchez spent last season as the Gunners first-choice up front, coupled with Danny Welbeck edging out the France No. 9 in the number two slot.

But Giroud instead committed his future to Arsenal, citing that he’ll fight for playing time and was still happy to be at the club.

However, after seeing the signing for his compatriot Alexandre Lacazette as the club-record in the summer, he has even more competition for a starting place – clearly seen and understood why Giroud as failed to start a league game this season.

And now Giroud worst fears have been realised for the France national team, with the lack of playing time resulting in Lacazette taking his starting place for France.

Giroud had been a regular in attack for Les Bleus for a number of years, but manager Didier Deschamps opted for the 26-year-old at centre-forward against Bulgaria on Saturday which could raise some alarm bells with the World Cup around the corner.

If the Frenchman feels his spot with France is under threat going into the upcoming 2018 World Cup next summer, Giroud may well consider a January switch – although he did start and score in France’s most recent fixture against Belarus on Tuesday.

However, Ronald Koeman’s Everton side aren’t the most attractive side if he consider leaving Arsenal as they Merseyside sit 16th in the Premier League, two points off the relegation zone.

Everton desperately need a striker, but it’s unlikely they would leave a top-four chasing club for one barely consolidating in the bottom half. The Toffees have less than two months to correct their form and show they can be a club challenging at the other end of the table.

And there is one more issue to the deal – the Gunners reluctance to sell the striker in mid-season. Arsene Wenger won’t look to let any of his first-team player leave the club unless a replacement is lined up. His deal doesn’t expire until 2019 either so Arsenal can’t be held to ransom.

Although, if Everton can make a mouth-watering offer the striker, they stand a chance of signing the £100,000-a-week man, especially given how close he claimed he was to joining in the summer.

If Everton can spend £45m on Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, they should be willing to spend above on the centurion.