Arsenal are keeping tabs on Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and could make a shock approach for the England international in this transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are willing to make a shock approach for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Gunners are interested in the England international as they explore the market for a frontman, and things will not be straightforward with Everton if a serious offer is made.
Arsenal are looking at multiple players for different positions in this window, as Mikel Arteta looks to rebuild the side to his liking. So far, Arsenal’s transfer stories have been dominated with links to various midfielders and defenders, but the club are also looking at prolific strikers.
The centre-forward department is well-stocked at Arsenal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli are available as options at the manager’s disposal. Despite their presence, the Gunners were below par in front of the goal. That could prompt Arteta to look for better options.
Arsenal were recently linked with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Andre Silva, although it was made clear to the Portuguese that the club needed to sell before making a move. The same would hold with the Calvert-Lewin case as well.
If the Calvert-Lewin connection is indeed accurate, then Arteta might prefer to move for the Everton striker over Silva owing to his proven Premier League calibre. The Englishman will not come cheap at any cost, with Everton expected to fetch top price for their 21-goal striker.
The possibility of Calvert-Lewin leaving is being floated around due to factors related to Everton’s changes in the summer. Carlo Ancelotti left Goodison Park outfit to rejoin Real Madrid, which has put the future of several high profile players at the club like James Rodriguez into doubt.
Calvert-Lewin has put himself in the market, and if a suitable offer arrives, Everton could sell him to fund additions to their squad. However, there are significant doubts if Arsenal are capable of paying what Everton might demand.
On the other hand, Arsenal have to sell players to accommodate a new striker. Nketiah has been put up for sale, but Lacazette could also be among the names that the club might sell. With a year left on his deal, the Frenchman can fetch a decent fee in the market, with many high profile clubs still thought to be interested. Lacazette was key to Arsenal’s attack last season, although no talks over an extension have taken place yet.
Arsenal’s links to Calvert-Lewin somewhat highlight their ambition going into next season despite the club not participating in European football at all. Considering all factors, will Arsenal tempt Calvert-Lewin, or should he angle a move to a Premier League side playing in the Champions League to further his ambition?