Arsenal are rumored to be eyeing a Premier League striker as the transfer deadline approaches on Friday night.
The Gunners are reportedly looking at acquiring a Premier League forward to strengthen their attack before the deadline. After a summer of significant expenditure last year, Arsenal have been relatively quiet this summer, though they have still secured some major signings.
David Raya was permanently signed for £27 million, and Riccardo Calafiori was acquired for £42 million. Mikel Merino is also set to join for up to £32.6 million including add-ons. Arsenal might not be finished yet, as they are expected to monitor opportunities for a striker or winger before the deadline, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol also a potential target.
Financial sense is crucial for any new deals, and Arsenal also need to offload several players to balance their budget. Eddie Nketiah could move to Crystal Palace, while Aaron Ramsdale, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, and Kieran Tierney are available for sale, though some may end up being loaned out as the deadline nears.
CaughtOffside reports that Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be a target for Arsenal in the final days of the transfer window, with a possible deal ranging between £35 million and £40 million. Both Arsenal and Newcastle United are said to be exploring this option.
Currently, Arsenal’s striker options include Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, with Nketiah likely to depart. Arteta faced criticism last summer for not signing an additional top-tier striker, and similar concerns could arise if Arsenal again fall short of the title this season.
Everton boss Sean Dyche has already admitted that the club will need to sell Calvert-Lewin if the right offer arrives. “Any offer of a certain level would have to be still looked at by the club,” he said last week. “We are in a better position because of player trading and how much we have lowered the wages but it is not solved. Therefore there would still be a moment where the big people at the club get a phone call and then it is down to them.
“I can give a football opinion. I think we would all go: ‘We don’t need to be selling anyone at the minute’ but that doesn’t mean that happens. The powers that be are still not in a position where they can go: ‘We are fine, we can start bankrolling the club and we are going to sign players,’ as you can quite obviously tell.”
