Everton wants Benteke as Lukaku replacement

Everton considering move for Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke
Posted by Ezeudoye Samuel on July 11, 2017

Benteke

Everton are considering a move for Crystal Palace's former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke after losing Romelu Lukaku

Following Lukaku's £75 million move to Manchester United, Everton are drawing up a list of potential replacements, with Arsenal's Olivier Giroud remaining their No. 1 target. But former Liverpool forward Benteke is also on Everton's wanted list, as initially reported by Sky Sports, and sources said manager Ronald Koeman is an admirer of a player who has a wealth of Premier League experience from his time at Aston Villa, Liverpool and Palace.

The Belgium international scored 17 goals for Palace last season after arriving from Liverpool in a £27m deal, playing a key role as they fought off the threat of relegation. Meanwhile, Giroud's future at Arsenal is in doubt following the arrival of record signing Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, but the Gunners will not consider selling him until they have resolved the future of Alexis Sanchez.

France international Giroud is taking part in Arsenal's preseason tour of Australia, indicating that no move is imminent. And manager Arsene Wenger said: "We extended his contract last year. Our resolution is clear. He's been great value to the squad and I think he is a great lover of the club. He's always been very determined to stay."