Arsenal are interested in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, who is set to leave the club on a free next summer.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal are keeping track of Everton and England forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they have already begun creating a list of possible striking targets in preparation for the departure of Alexandre Lacazette next summer.
The 30-year-old Frenchman is in the final year of his five-year contract at the Emirates, which he signed after joining them from Lyon. It is understood that the Arsenal hierarchy are not interested in handing him a new deal and rather looking to sell him in the winter transfer window in order to avoid losing him on a Bosman at the end of the campaign.
In more recent reports, the Frenchman’s representatives have already started talks with clubs, while Arsenal have also been touted to use Lacazette as a makeweight to bring Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri. All sources indicate that both parties are set to part ways.
Even though Lacazette has always been a decent finisher and a useful focal point in attack with his hold-up play, Arteta plans to bolster his striking options. The Spanish tactician is looking at the future and has informed the club’s technical director Edu Gaspar to begin the hunt for a young No. 9 with Premier League experience to continue their squad rebuilding project with youth talent at its core.
One of the names that appear to be on the shortlist is Everton centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin. After progressing through the youth ranks at Sheffield United, Calvert-Lewin signed for the Toffees in 2016 for a nominal fee.
He broke into the first team as a regular starter the following year back when Ronald Koeman was the manager. Since then, the 24-year-old has taken huge strides and has developed killer poaching instincts under the guidance of former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti and assistant coach Duncan Ferguson.
Calvert-Lewin produced a tally of 16 goals in 33 Premier League games in the 2020/21 campaign while he has already netted 3 times from three games this current season. He has also established himself as Harry Kane’s backup in the England setup over the past year. A potent goal scorer at 23, Calvert-Lewin certainly fits the profile of talent Arteta is looking for.
However, signing him won’t be easy as he recently penned an improved long-term contract at Goodison Park that ties him down to the Merseysiders until the summer of 2025. Everton will battle hammer-and-tongs to keep hold of their hitman, and even if they agree to sell, they will likely demand top dollar, including the British premium for Calvert-Lewin.
And, knowing Arsenal spent £148 million on six new recruits over this summer and are in no state to spend heavily, a huge valuation could price the north Londoners’ out of a move. Everything, however, depends on the spending capacity of Arsenal’s owners.
