Arsenal
Premier League • England
Calvert-Lewin transfer to Arsenal takes shape after quintuple update tees up Everton farewell
Everton are willing to listen to offers for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and a report has revealed five reasons why a move to Arsenal appears most likely.
The Toffees hitman had endured a disappointing campaign on Merseyside, though came good when it mattered most on Thursday night. Everton had been dragged into the thick of a relegation scrap and 2-0 down at half-time against Crystal Palace, a final day reckoning looked likely.
Yet Frank Lampard’s side have consistently produced the goods on home soil and a superb second-half fightback helped secure their Premier League status.
Calvert-Lewin completed the comeback when nodding home the 85th minute winner. That is undoubtedly the most important goal he has scored for the club, though is may also be his last.
That’s according to Football Insider who state a move to Arsenal is ramping up.
The Gunners are known to be on the hunt for new attacking additions this summer. Alexandre Lacazette looks certain to leave on a free when his contract expires. Eddie Nketiah is in the same boat, though his age and late-season surge may yet see an extension signed.
Regardless, Mikel Arteta will need a new, potent No 9 and Football Insider reckon it might be Calvert-Lewin.
The report details five encouraging updates for the Gunners, beginning with Everton’s stance.
Calvert-Lewin sale key to Everton overhaul
It’s claimed the Toffees are open to his exit this summer and ‘will listen’ to offers for their frontman.
That is not a slight on Calvert-Lewin’s abilities, however. On the contrary, Everton’s stance reportedly stems from their desire to reshape a team that came close to suffering relegation. Calvert-Lewin is one of their most saleable assets and would allow Lampard to address multiple positions in the market.
Secondly, the player himself is claimed to be ‘eager’ to experience a new challenge. Along with Arsenal, Newcastle are also reportedly in the mix.
Adding further fuel to the fire is the statement Calvert-Lewin’s preferred destination of the two is Arsenal.
Calvert-Lewin set for Arsenal or West Ham switch?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and West Ham, after a very difficult season with Everton.
Furthermore, Arsenal have reportedly set aside around £45m for a new striker this summer. Given Calvert-Lewin has only bagged five goals this year amid an injury-hit season, he should be available for a fee within that budget.
Finally, the marksman also fits the profile of player Arsenal are expected to target. The report states they’re looking for a ‘proven’ centre-forward aged 25 or under.
Calvert-Lewin is 25 and Arteta recently claimed Arsenal’s recruitment strategy could be similar to that of last summer’s. The Gunners signed six first-teamers all in their early-mid twenties with all having a point to prove.
Calvert-Lewin a poor fit for Arsenal?
While the report makes a convincing case for Calvert-Lewin to Arsenal, widespread reporting elsewhere has put Man City’s Gabriel Jesus in the frame.
Whether Arsenal would be capable of signing both remains to be seen. Both are 25 and both are proven in the Premier League. Yet if given the choice, we reckon Arteta should plump for the Brazilian.
Calvert-Lewin’s game centres around hold-up play and dominating the air. A large chunk of his goals come via his head, though Arteta usually deploys inverted wingers.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are at their best when cutting inside and causing havoc in-field rather than dashing to the line and whipping balls in. Calvert-Lewin may be starved of the type of service he thrives on at the Emirates.