Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his frontline ahead of next season.
According to the Mirror, the Gunners view Calvert-Lewin as the ideal replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, who is set to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires.
Calvert-Lewin has developed into one of the finest strikers in the Premier League over the last few seasons. The England international has netted 56 times for Everton in all competitions, with 36 of those strikes coming in the last two campaigns.
The 24-year-old also earned his maiden England call-up last year on the back of his stellar club performances, and he has since gone on to make 11 appearances for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Calvert-Lewin will not come for cheap though. He has four years left on his current contract and would cost Arsenal north of £50 million.
Can Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit in under Arteta?
Mikel Arteta has stabilized Arsenal’s defence since taking charge in 2019, but it’s come at the cost of goals. Arsenal netted the fewest goals among top-nine teams last season (55) and their struggles have continued in the current campaign, where they have found the net only 17 times from 14 league matches.
While Alexandre Lacazette may have plenty of redeeming qualities, his lack of goals has always been a cause for concern. The Frenchman has never scored more than 14 goals in a single league campaign.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s first-choice striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen off a cliff since signing a new contract last year. The Gabon international has copped criticism for his lack of effort and profligacy in front of goal.
Thus, Arsenal are in dire need of a consistent goal-scorer and Calvert-Lewin could be the ideal fit. The England international is a tall and powerful striker who can impose himself on defenders in the box. The 24-year-old won 4.7 aerial duels per game in the league last season.
His aerial prowess will hold him in good stead under Mikel Arteta, whose style of play revolves around full-backs bombarding the box with crosses.
Calvert-Lewin also has the ability to play with his back to goal; he can hold up the ball and feed his teammates. He is also a hard worker and can press high up the pitch to hassle defenders and win back possession for his side.
His arrival will undoubtedly serve as a shot in the arm for Arsenal and aid them in their push for European football.