All football fans outside Arsenal may have joked about them, but three games into the new year, Dominic Calvert-Lewin might just be the name Arsenal fans need to get their January excitement rolling. Everton striker is available on the market for £20m with a contract to leave playing out. Will the Gunners make a move, though? Or they will stay put, and other clubs, such as Newcastle, West Ham, or even AC Milan, will jump in?
The need for a clinical finisher has never been more obvious than since Arsenal were frustrated 1-1 by Fulham, with VAR heartbreakingly ruling out Bukayo Saka’s late header. Third place in the Premier League means Arteta’s side is now a distant six points off leaders Liverpool. Fans are calling for reinforcements, and is Calvert-Lewin the knight in shining boots they need?
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Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the upcoming transfer window as part of their plans to strengthen their squad for a Premier League title challenge..
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Why Calvert-Lewin is the Right Fit for Arsenal
Let’s face it—Arsenal’s attacking options are like trying to microwave leftovers: they may sizzle sometimes or be a goner sometimes. While Gabriel Jesus has undeniable talent, he’s always been in and out of the team, mostly due to injuries. Eddie Nketiah is occasionally brilliant and doesn’t quite exude ‘title contender striker.’
Calvert-Lewin enters—a player who only scored twice in 14 games this season but has demonstrated in the past that he can bully defenders and be physical up top. His aerial ability could also have fitted in with Arsenal’s recurring problem of having enough crossing but a thirsty target man. He is a decent potential January investment should Everton be desperate to offload him before he heads for the free door next summer for £20 million.
But there’s a catch. Arteta and Edu have been very sustainable with their transfer policy—it has been all about being long-term. Their approach may not include spending money on a striker who is free in July. And any reported interest from foreign clubs such as AC Milan would make it easy for him to agree to a pre-contract deal in January.
Arsenal’s Defensive Woes: Kiwior Steps Up
The attack made headline news, but Arsenal’s defense faced the test against Fulham. William Saliba partnered Jakub Kiwior at the back because Gabriel Magalhães is sidelined. The only goal for Arsenal came from Saliba, who in recent days has said he feels at home at his club. But Raul Jimenez’s effort would instead go to the wrong side of the post, albeit after Kiwior’s slip-up left Arteta choosing to use Gabriel most of the time.
Interestingly, Kiwior’s rare Premier League start could have come at just the right time to show what he’s about—or the flip side. Italian heavyweights Napoli, Inter, and Juventus are reportedly keeping an eye on the Polish international. Any summer inquiries aside, Arsenal are unlikely to let him go in January, considering the situation regarding their squad.
Calvert-Lewin: Fans reaction: Twitter Has a Field Day
Arsenal fans, never ones to mince words, took to Twitter to share their thoughts:
“Calvert-Lewin for £20m? A new VAR system, we’d rather spend that on.”
‘It showed in the fact that Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal shows—VAR stands for ‘Very Anti-Arsenal Refereeing.”.
“The frustrating thing about Kiwoir is that he can’t defend, and he’s consistent… consistently.”
There is still a split in the Gunners faithful with regards to Calvert-Lewin, some claiming his injury record and lack of goals this season make him a risky choice, others that he could thrive under Arteta’s system.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
In time for January’s transfer window, Arsenal will need to make a difficult decision. They need to strengthen now, to reignite their title charge, or else stick with the current squad in the hope they don’t lose too much ground to Liverpool in Manchester City.
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