Transfer Rumors: Arsenal Have Two Names In Mind To Fill Potential Striker Void

Arsenal is aware that Alexandre Lacazette will be leaving Emirates Stadium soon.

Although there is time to spare, head coach Mikel Arteta is already looking for potential replacements.

It appears there are two names in the mix. Per reports, they were identified as Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa.

Both strikers are aligned with the new emphasis of the Gunners to focus on youth. Calvert-Lewin is only 24, while Watkins is 25.

However, the only problem that stands in the way is that both footballers are signed with their respective clubs until 2025.

Hence, Arsenal may have to shell out big money to get both or either one of them.

Calvert-Lewin has been gaining attention, probably one of the most exciting forwards since Wayne Rooney. That thought alone hints that it will take much for the Gunners to convince the Toffees to agree to a deal.

The only problem seen for the English striker right now is that he is injured. He was one of several players unlikely to suit up when Everton faces Manchester United on Sunday, October 10, per The Athletic.

Calvert-Lewin has scored in each of the Toffees opening three English Premier League matches before missing Everton’s last three assignments.

As for Watkins, he is also another player on the rise. No less than Aston Villa boss Dean Smith that the said striker has potential.

Although he missed the chance to play in the World Cup qualifying triple-header earlier this month because of a knee injury, Smith believes the mentality and application shown by Watkins deserves a recall, Yahoo Sports reported.

“It is why he is at Aston Villa and I can’t envisage a change in his mentality. He is a delight to have with his application, his attitude to training and games is exceptional and I believe that he’s probably been called up again because they saw that during his training when he was with England,” Smith stated.

The Gunners are looking to plug a big hole with Lacazette expected to leave with less than a year left in his contract.

Arsenal could try to ship out the 30-year-old player in the January transfer window to make sure they don’t end up empty-handed.

Arteta is only willing to deal out Lacazette if they can find a replacement.

After spending heftily in the summer, Arsenal is unlikely to pull off any big-money moves in the next transfer window.