With Everton struggling in the league despite their vast summer overhaul, it was thought that Frank Lampard might have revolutionised his squad enough to steer them away from another relegation battle.

However, with just one point separating them from those places, it is clear that up front he left them a little light.

This marks one of many transfer mistakes the Toffees have made over the years, with numerous managers having fallen victim to the initial deep pockets Farhad Moshiri promised.

One notable error that the Merseyside outfit might well be regretting is their decision not to push harder in their pursuit of French forward Olivier Giroud back in 2017.

The 36-year-old – who has featured for both Arsenal and Chelsea – was vocal about just how close he came to joining up with Ronald Koeman.

Speaking to Canal Plus (via BEIN Sports), he claimed after the 2017 summer window: “I had the opportunity to leave. I was very close to another English club - Everton - but I think I made the best choice.”

Opting to stay at the Emirates, he would continue to excel for them before moving across London, and later to AC Milan where he continues to star.

Wherever the talismanic marksman has played his football he has starred, boasting 105 goals for the Gunners and 246 across his club career.

Even this season for his Italian outfit he has boasted nine goals and five assists across both European and domestic competition.

Meanwhile, the Toffees have mustered just 11 goals in 15 Premier League games, with injury continuing to blight Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s career on Merseyside.

They have been crying out for a consistent reliable goalscorer since the departure of Romelu Lukaku and given his continued success and immense longevity, it seems that had they managed to acquire Giroud he would have given a long-term solution.

He further hammers home just how crucial he could be with his recent displays for his country at the World Cup.

Disaster struck for the French when Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema was ruled out of the tournament just days before the opening day, with the 34-year-old having scored 44 times and assisted 15 more last season.

Many questioned who, if anyone, could replace his goals.

However, with a sensational brace as his side thrashed Australia, he further cemented the ideal that age bares no influence on some players.

The 6 foot 4 finisher, dubbed a “monster” by Aaron West due to his immense physicality, would thrive at Everton.

Still starring for a European heavyweight and on the biggest stage of all in Qatar, there is no denying that had he made that move in 2017, his trophy cabinet would not look half as impressive as it does now, but Goodison Park might not still be scrambling for a striker today.