Arsenal ‘like and have liked’ Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for ‘quite a few years, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Gunners are believed to be in the market for a new goalscorer ahead of next season, with doubts lingering over the futures of their current options in the final third of the pitch.

What is the latest news involving Arsenal?

Manager Mikel Arteta made the bold decision to allow former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to depart the club in January following a disciplinary issue.

The Gabon international departed for Barcelona on a free transfer after returning to north London late following a trip abroad, leaving Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as Arsenal’s only senior options up front.

However, with both Lacazette and Nketiah set to become free agents when their contracts expire in a few months’ time, the capital club could be left seriously short of options in the forward positions.

And according to a recent report in The Sun, Arsenal are on ‘red alert’ as Everton have made it clear they are prepared to cash in on Calvert-Lewin in the summer.

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The Toffees have recorded another significant loss and it’s believed that they have decided to cash in on their prized asset in order to ease the financial strain on the club.

Arsenal could face some stiff competition for Calvert-Lewin’s signature, though, as Premier League rivals West Ham are also said to be keen despite being put off by his £60 million price tag in the winter.

What has Brown said about Calvert-Lewin?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously told GiveMeSport that Arsenal signing fellow Everton ace Richarlison ‘could actually happen’, but Brown believes a move Calvert-Lewin is more likely.

He told GMS: “I know for a fact that Arsenal like and have liked Calvert-Lewin for quite a few years, even before he was scoring regularly in the Premier League.

“So, if I was to guess, I'm pretty sure they'll make a bigger push for Calvert-Lewin than they will Richarlison in the summer.”

Would Calvert-Lewin be a good signing?

It’s been a difficult season for Calvert-Lewin. After scoring a single goal in each of Everton’s opening three league games, the 6 foot 2 ace has failed to find the back of the net since 28th August.

Nevertheless, his previous exploits indicate that he would be an extremely astute acquisition for Arsenal.

Throughout 2019/20 and 2020/21, Calvert-Lewin registered 36 goals and six assists in 80 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his ability to become a valuable addition to Arteta’s ranks.