Everton could reportedly demand over £60 million for Dominic Calvert-Lewin with Arsenal, a prime contender for his signature.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal have been told to pay a hefty fee for the transfer of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Everton are set to extract top value for their prized asset.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin thoroughly broke through at Everton under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who got the best out of his talents. The 24-year-old striker has maintained his form under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, scoring three times in as many games at the beginning of the season as the Toffees had a bright start.
The English international has since been out with fitness issues, and his absence has coincided with Everton’s loss of form and disappointing results. The Toffees are winless in eight Premier League games and they host Arsenal in the next matchday. They have sorely missed Calvert-Lewin’s presence upfront and will continue to do so for at least the next three weeks.
Benitez recently commented on the situation regarding transfers at the club, suggesting Everton might have to sell a few players to fund new faces. The club did not spend huge sums on summer deals, with the Demarai Gray’s £2 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen their most expensive purchase, indicative of their financial struggles.
The Everton manager did insist the board were prepared to spend on quality players; he also suggested they might need to balance the books. It points at the sales of some prized assets, including Calvert-Lewin, with Arsenal reportedly keen on signing him.
Mikel Arteta might have overseen a decent summer by signing six first-team stars. However, the Arsenal manager will have to decide on the club’s striker situation. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are expected to leave when their contracts expire in the summer, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is severely out of form.
Moreover, Aubameyang, 32, certainly does not represent a long-term option and Arteta is prepared to spend big on bringing a new leading forward for next season. There are doubts over moves for a striker in January, and Lacazette could be kept until the season ends, although the situation could change massively next summer.
Arsenal are prioritising a move for Calvert-Lewin in the summer, although they have kept tabs on other players in the position. The 24-year-old Everton striker could become their no.1 target considering his experience and pedigree in the Premier League, and his qualities suit the Gunners.
The Gunners are also in the chase for Dusan Vlahovic after reportedly making an improved offer to Fiorentina. As they face plenty of competition for the Serb, the pathway to Calvert-Lewin might be a bit easier for Arteta. However, Everton are demanding over £60 million for their prized asset.
Arsenal’s recent recruitment drive has displayed their spending power, particularly with the transfer of Ben White. As the club paid £50 million to Brighton, they showed a readiness to spend money on the right players and could be willing to do so for Calvert-Lewin.
The north Londoners certainly have the finances to match their ambitions and add Calvert-Lewin to their growing list of English stars. Whether the English international moves to Arsenal if presented an opportunity remains to be seen.