Everton

Everton

Premier League • England

Arsenal, West Ham sense opportunity as Everton make ruthless forward transfer decision

Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrating

Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrating for Everton during a Premier League match in March 2022.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has become a more accessible target for Arsenal or West Ham after a report revealed that Everton will let him go this summer.

Injury issues have made 2021-22 a season to forget for Calvert-Lewin. He scored in each of his first three appearances of the season back in August, but was then ruled out until January with his physical problems.

In the eight appearances since his return to action, Calvert-Lewin has been unable to score again. It has represented an unwanted decline in fortunes for the England international.

Now, his Everton future is at risk, according to The Sun. In fact, the report claims that the relegation-threatened club will sacrifice their star striker in the summer.

In turn, Calvert-Lewin remains a target for Arsenal and West Ham. The two London clubs are both looking for a new number nine in the summer.

At Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in January. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract at the end of the season too. The latter is a target for Crystal Palace, The Sun remind.

The Gunners are consequently aiming to sign at least one, but maybe two strikers. Also on their radar is Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad.

West Ham are also in the market for a centre-forward after never replacing Sebastien Haller after his January 2021 sale. TEAMtalk understands they have looked at Lacazette as well, coincidentally.

Arsenal joined by Dortmund in race for Calvert-Lewin

Arsenal joined by Dortmund in race for Calvert-Lewin

Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin with Arsenal

But Calvert-Lewin is also on their radar as they aim for a younger competitor for Michail Antonio’s starting spot.

According to The Sun, West Ham made a move for Calvert-Lewin in January. Their enquiry was met with a response of a £60m asking price, which was off-putting. However, that value will now be on the decline.

Everton to rid themselves of Calvert-Lewin wages

Dominic Calvert-Lewin during an Everton match

If Everton suffer relegation to the Championship, it would further weaken their case to command a large fee for one of their highest earners. It would be preferable for them to get his wages off the books.

That may even be the case if they stay up in the Premier League. The report speculates that Frank Lampard could reinvest into other areas of his squad.

Now, it is up to Arsenal and West Ham to battle for Calvert-Lewin’s services. They would also be hoping he can recapture the form he showed last season, when he scored 21 goals.

Having recently turned 25, Calvert-Lewin is approaching his prime years. He will be keen to shake off the issues that have troubled him this season to pick up from where he left off prior to his setback.

With four goals from 11 caps for England, he remains a striker of good pedigree. Only time will tell how much either of his London suitors are willing to gamble on him.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin is not the only high-profile player Everton could axe this summer. TEAMtalk understands one of his compatriots could also be sold, as detailed in the report linked below.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE: Everton ready to axe high profile star with Tottenham poised to take big hit