17 hours ago
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Arsenal have been urged to pursue free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin despite being close to sealing a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
Following protracted talks with Sporting Lisbon, the Gunners are poised to land their long-standing priority. Arsenal have agreed a package worth £63.7million. The transfer is set to be finalised this weekend, with the striker due to complete his medical.
It has proved a fruitful summer for Mikel Arteta thus far, with centre-back Cristhian Mosquera recently joining from Valencia. He was preceded by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, plus winger Noni Madueke.
Further additions are anticipated before the transfer deadline, with former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere calling on the club to bolster their attacking options. The Frenchman, who featured under Arsene Wenger from 2001 to 2007, highlighted Calvert-Lewin, who recently departed Everton as a free agent following nine seasons at Goodison Park.
Aliadiere, 42, told UK Riches via Metro: "If Arsenal are clear with Dominic Calvert-Lewin on what they want from him, I think he'd be a great asset to have in the squad.
"If the club are clear that he will be playing a role from the bench and he is happy with that and will still work hard in training, I think he would offer a different option to the team.
"I don't know what his mindset is and if he would be happy with that, he has had a few injuries over the last two years which is a concern, but we know what a great forward he can be when he is fit.
"He is great in the air which means you can be more direct, I think it would be interesting."
His last season with the Toffees proved challenging for Calvert-Lewin, who managed just three goals in 26 league outings while he was sidelined for more than three months between January and May through injury.
The striker accumulated 239 Premier League appearances for Everton following his debut in December 2016. His breakthrough came during the 2019-20 campaign when he netted 15 times across all competitions.
Calvert-Lewin maintained his excellent form the following season, finding the net 21 times in all competitions. However, he has been repeatedly dogged by injury issues.
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