Arsenal’s 9 transfer targets before January deadline – list

9. Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton

Age: 24
Contract expiry: 2025
Rumoured fee: £60m

It’s been roughly established that Arsenal want a new version of Lacazette who can drop deep to overload midfield and act as a central pivot, but also someone with predatory instincts in the box who can get on the end of chances.

Those desires have brought them to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who would be keen on moving to north London. Given the lack of hunger to do so from Vlahovic, having a player who actually wants to join the club is one problem out of the way.

Much admired by the coaching staff at Arsenal, Calvert-Lewin is also felt like the right kind of character for the dressing room and someone who would fit in well with the group. With a fee said to be in the region of £60m, it’s also deemed affordable.

Getting him is another matter, though. Everton desperately need his goals in the team as they hover above the relegation zone and ,given how wealthy the club is, there is no rush or need to sell. With such short notice in the January window to sign a replacement it would be a big surprise were they to let him go.

One thing you can say about Calvert-Lewin is that he knows where the goal is. Get the ball in and around the six-yard area (Nketiah?) and chances are that the net will ripple. His form over the past couple of years has improved considerably.

Standalone verdict: Honestly? Don’t see it. Arsenal’s desire for a striker who isn’t built around as few touches as possible makes this link seem odd. He’s a real talent and a growing goalscorer, but is he at the technical level needed for Arsenal? Don’t see it.