Arsenal’s pursuit of a forward has led to full focus being placed on the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. A deal has become even more important after it emerged that Edu’s possible plan b will cost a hefty price.
According to the Telegraph, Everton have set a £50m price tag for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This comes after reported interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
the £50m price tag is certainly too expensive for Calvert-Lewin on the back of a disappointing season from an individual perspective. It also emphasises the importance to secure a transfer for Jesus, who is quoted at around the same price.
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According to The Mirror, Newcastle are planning to rival Arsenal this summer in a battle to sign Calvert-Lewin from Everton. It is a battle that Edu should intend to lose in order to sign better alternatives, as the £50m being quoted for him is certainly too hefty.
Arsenal’s interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin should not be carried into the summer. The Englishman’s performances this season has highlighted that he is not the man to lead the Gunners’ frontline and into a Champions League place.
When signing a new striker for the next campaign, Arteta demands goals from the player, as he said: “To be with the top teams in this you need to score 90 to 100 goals at least. Somehow you need those goals in the team. Don’t ask me how, but you need them. They have to come.”
Calvert-Lewin has proven this season that he has not got the clinical nature about him that would see a major increase in Arsenal’s goals. The forward has scored just three Premier League goals in 14 games this season. It has also been a campaign where he has been hampered with injuries, which should provide another incentive for Arsenal to allow Newcastle to sign him.
Calvert-Lewin was a decent option at the start of the season. However, this campaign has proved that Arsenal are better to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Jesus would certainly be that player. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are preparing the opening bid for Jesus. Manchester City want around £50million to sell the forward, even if his current deal won’t be extended. Romano went on to claim that Arsenal already discussed a transfer with Jesus’ agent. "We like the project," Marcelo Pettinati told Romano.
Arteta and the Brazilian international have worked together before during the Spaniard’s three-year tenure at City as one of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff. This adds another incentive to secure his signature and improve the forward line ahead of next season.
Jesus scored 13 goals this season which is significantly more than Calvert-Lewin, and the Brazilian featured heavily on the wing, or on the substitutes bench. This highlights how Edu must be prepared to overpay for a forward if Arsenal miss out on the ideal signing of Jesus. It is a deal that the Gunners must get over the line.
