Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta should look to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January if he is serious about the Gunners winning the 2023/24 Premier League title.
The Emirates Stadium natives sit third in the standings at the November international break with 27 points from 12 games. But Arsenal are only a point behind leaders Manchester City. Even though Arteta’s side are still yet to find their full stride after a few cagey performances.
Arsenal sealed 31 points during their opening 12 games last term as they topped the table by two points. The Gunners also scored marginally more goals (30 to 27) but conceded more (11 to 10), as well. No Premier League side has conceded fewer goals than Arsenal this term.
Arteta wants the transfer of an out-and-out striker like Toney
But Arteta seemingly admits that Arsenal must improve their attacking output in the January transfer window. The Mirror reported in September that the Spaniard is looking to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford. He wants to sign an out-and-out striker who adds a robust presence.
Toney is a long-term target for Arsenal as Arteta believes he fits the bill perfectly to add new ideas alongside Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. But Sky Sports now claims that Brentford’s valuation is as high as £100m. They would see offers worth £50-60m as derisory in January.
So, Arteta should look at Everton and Calvert-Lewin to hand Arsenal a new striker in the next transfer sales instead. The Gunners boss is a long-term fan of the 26-year-old, after all, per talkSPORT in January 2022. It noted that Arteta is a ‘huge admirer’ and wanted to get a deal.
Arteta has wanted Arsenal to sign Calvert-Lewin in the past
Reports by The Athletic during January 2022 also cited Calvert-Lewin as a transfer target for Arsenal. It further noted that the Arsenal coaching staff admired the 11-cap England striker highly. The Gunners even felt he would be a good fit for Arteta’s team if available for £60m.
Calvert-Lewin, too, found the prospect of joining Arsenal in January 2022 enticing. He saw a switch to north London positively as it would further his standing with Gareth Southgate for England selection. But injury problems have blighted the striker ever since Arsenal’s interest.
So much, in fact, that Newcastle United only eyed a £35m transfer for Calvert-Lewin back in January this year, per The Sun. His market value has plummeted since scoring 16 goals in 33 Premier League games in 2020/21 having only played 17 in 21/22 and just 17 again in 22/23.
Sean Dyche has already fielded Calvert-Lewin nine times this term for three goals in the top-flight. He would also surely be loath to let the Sheffield-born striker leave Goodison Park as Everton fight for their survival again. But Arteta should at least test his former side’s resolve.
Calvert-Lewin can give Arsenal a completely different threat
Despite his problems with injuries, Calvert-Lewin could still be the perfect striker for Arteta to sign if he’s serious about Arsenal winning the 23/24 Premier League title. He would offer the Gunners the out-and-out striker that Arteta now craves in Toney but likely for cheaper.
Calvert-Lewin was also developing into the complete centre-forward before his injury issues began. So, he would offer Arsenal a completely different prospect to Nketiah and Jesus. The Everton star can do it all from scoring goals, leading the line and linking the Toffees’ attacks.
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