Paul Merson: Arsenal must sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Paul Merson has suggested that Arsenal must sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners got rid of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January transfer window, and they’re in search of a replacement.
Mikel Arteta has got money to spend, and Merson feels that the England striker would be an ideal signing for them.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a perfect fit for Arsenal and they should break the bank to sign him next summer,” wrote Merson for the Daily Star.
“Arsenal need a world-class centre forward. They’ve just saved £25m in wages getting rid of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“And they tried to spend big on Dusan Vlahovic so we know the money is there. They should be talking to Everton about Calvert-Lewin already.
“Calvert-Lewin is young and hungry. He will be England’s first-choice No 9 in years to come. He holds the ball up very well and he works his socks off upfront.
“I’ve seen some centre forwards in my time and he works as hard as any of them. Plus he’s good in the air and he scores goals. I’d be doing that deal now.”
No way
Irrespective of where they finish at the end of the season, Everton should not think of selling their talisman striker.
A new manager has just arrived, and he needs full support from everyone to rebuild the side.
Calvert-Lewin is the club’s first-choice striker, and Frank Lampard is expected to take great care of him.
Based on the signings he has made already, it looks like he is preparing to build a system where Calvert-Lewin can flourish.
The Everton striker needs a strong support system, and creative playmakers like Dele Alli or Donny van de Beek could provide him with that option.
Unless Arsenal come up with a crazy bid, Everton shouldn’t even entertain any offers from their rival clubs.
Already, a lot of damage has been done in appointing so many wrong managers and wasting millions on poor signings over the past few years.
Lampard seems a smart appointment, and the club must help him forge a strong squad. Keeping key players like Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison is the first step in the right direction.
In other Everton news, Ashley Cole has sent a message to fans via Twitter after arriving at the club to support manager and former teammate Lampard.