Arsenal‘s search for a striker is set to take them to Merseyside, with the Gunners reportedly lining up a summer move for Everton hitman Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
According to the Sun, Arsenal view the England international as a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, who may be shipped out as early as the January window.
Calvert-Lewin has transformed into one of the finest strikers in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons. The 24-year-old netted 21 times in all competitions for Everton last season. His displays earned him a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2020, where he made a couple of appearances off the bench.
Calvert-Lewin has four years left on his current contract, so Everton are under no pressure to sell, and Arsenal will have to splash the cash to land the Englishman.
Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin add the impetus Arsenal need upfront?
Arsenal’s struggles going forward are well-documented. The Gunners scored just 55 goals in the Premier League last season, the fewest among teams that finished in the top nine. Their attacking woes have continued this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side netting five times in seven league games.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks like a pale shadow of the player Arsenal signed for a whopping £56 million in 2018, while Lacazette has proven over the past few seasons that he’s not a consistent goalscorer.
In that regard, a move for Calvert-Lewin is a no-brainer. The Everton striker will add a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s attack. The Englishman is strong in the air; he won 4.7 aerial duels per game in the league last season.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have been heavily reliant on full-backs to bombard the box with crosses. The arrival of a tall and powerful striker like Calvert-Lewin could be just what Arsenal need for that tactic to yield rewards.
The 24-year-old has much more to his game than just aerial prowess though. The Englishman has great movement and can hold up the ball and link up well with his teammates. Calvert-Lewin is also hard-working and can press high up the pitch.
At 24, he fits perfectly into Arsenal’s long-term plans and his arrival would certainly aid the Gunners in their push for European football.