Everton striker Romelu Lukaku (L) competes for the ball against two Manchester United defenders. (Photo : Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku's name is one of several who are strongly linked to Arsenal's striker search this summer as the Everton goalscorer is rumored to be keen on leaving Merseyside in an attempt to compete in the Champions League next season.
SkySports indicated that the 23-year-old Belgium international is "set to leave Everton this summer", but his potential "destination is still up in the air" as several clubs are lined up to make a bid for him.
One of the teams that is most eager to sign him up is said to be Arsenal, who recently failed in their attempt to snatch last season's English Premier League second-best scorer Jamie Vardy from Leicester City, with head coach Arsene Wenger reportedly finished meeting with the 6-foot-3 striker.
The 66-year-old Gunners boss reportedly talked with Everton's top officials and Lukaku's agents last week in an attempt to complete a deal for the Antwerp, Belgium native before the team embarks on a pre-season friendly tour in the United States later this month, according to The Sun.
Everton pegged Lukaku's buyout clause at £65 million, although the Toffees are rumored to be willing to let him go at around £40 million.
Lukaku first suited up for Everton in the summer of 2013 in a season-long goal from Chelsea. Eventually, the Goodison Park residents permanently signed him during the following summer by paying the Pensioners a transfer fee of £28 million.
From there, Lukaku developed into one of the most dangerous strikers in England, scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances in the Premier League last term and netting 25 goals in 46 games in all competitions for the Toffees.
In three years with the Merseyside residents, Lukaku scored an impressive total of 61 goals in 127 games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Wenger is also targeting Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as a possible second option if the Lukaku deal will not push through.
Discussions with the Ligue 1 club and Lacazette's representatives were also reportedly finished and so it is now a waiting game whether Everton will finally sell Lukaku or not.
Lacazette has played his whole seven-year senior career with Lyon in the French top flight. He had appeared in a total of 230 games already for the Ligue 1 squad and had scored 92 goals during the said time span.
