Calvert-Lewin may quit Everton as Arsenal tipped to ‘pay over the odds’ to seal deal – pundit
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could quit Everton for Arsenal if he does not see progress being made at Goodison Park, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Gunners are in a much healthier position than the Toffees in terms of club growth and development.
As reported by the Evening Standard (2 December), Premier League giants Arsenal are plotting to sign the 24-year-old as they look to rebuild their squad.
The Gunners are reportedly targeting younger talent and Calvert-Lewin ticks the boxes for the north Londoners.
Whelan suggested the Everton hitman could be the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal.
Asked if he thought Calvert-Lewin would consider quitting for a move to the Emirates Stadium, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah. I think at Arsenal, gradually you can see it coming together.
“Even despite the recent defeats, I felt they were really in the game. There wasn’t much between the two sides.
“What they were lacking was that that little bit of quality through the middle. That goalscorer that can make things happen when crosses are coming in from wide areas.
“We know for a fact he’s one of those players. He can hold the ball up, bring people into play, he’s got pace, he’s good in the air. He is a lot more potent in front of goal now. That is credit to Everton and Duncan Ferguson.
“They’ve been working with him inside that six-yard box and being in the right areas at the right time.
“It will need to be a substantial amount of money for them to put down Calvert-Lewin. They’re going to have to pay over the odds for him.
“But if they’re desperate for that player, and they feel that he can kick them on to the Champions League spots, then he’s worth the money.
“Everton will be very reluctant to sell.”
Calvert-Lewin has missed much of this season due to a broken toe.
His contract at Everton runs until the summer of 2025.
In other news, pundit names Michael Keane among four “shocking” Everton players who have let Benitez down.