Latest developments
- Arsenal are planning a bid for Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
- The Toffees have put a £20 million price tag on the striker.
- The England international is out of contract at the end of the season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1.5/5): Many reports, few details
Arsenal's hunt for a new centre-forward has led them to Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who they are planning a surprise bid for in January.
That news is being reported by London World, with the story breaking in the Yorkshire Post, though neither have the sources or the details to back it up.
Value (2/5): Out of form, out of contract
Another report, this time from The Sun, claims Everton want £20 million for the forward, which would seem good value for a starting Premier League striker in 2025, but not when you consider Calvert-Lewin has score just two goals this season, and 10 in all competitions since the start of last season.
Add in the fact that, as things stand, he will be out of contract in the summer, and that price looks very steep.
Suitability (2/5): Needs to find form
His drop in form has seen him go from important back-up to Harry Kane for England to not getting an international call-up since 2021. That year was also when he last reached double figures in a Premier League campaign.
At 27, he is still young enough to rediscover the scoring touch we all know he has, and Arsenal have great creative players to lay on chances, but Arsenal are title contenders, not a rehab centre for out-of-sorts strikers.
Upgrade? (2/5): A centre-forward, but…
One argument for Calvert-Lewin is that he is without doubt a proper centre-forward, rather than the makeshift frontman that Arsenal have in the form of Kai Havertz.
However, Havertz has scored five league goals this season and seven in all competitions. Not hugely impressive, but still better than DCL.
Logic (1.5/5): Poor Isak alternative
Arsenal fans are hoping for the late Christmas present of Alexander Isak arriving in January from Newcastle. If they end up with Calvert-Lewin instead, they will wonder why they were put on the naughty list.
This move would show a lack of ambition from the Arsenal hierarchy, and though Calvert-Lewin could do with a fresh start, a switch to another of of the clubs supposedly interested, such as West Ham and Brentford, might be more suitable.
Whisper+ verdict: 9/25
There seems little truth to this rumour, and for good reason! Mikel Arteta needs an in-from scorer, and Calvet-Lewin needs a lower-pressure environment to find his shooting boots.
