Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson were in disagreement over the suggestion that Arsenal should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton.
After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped by Mikel Arteta for ‘disciplinary reasons’, Merson urged Arsenal to put in a ‘massive bid’ for Calvert-Lewin, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (11/12/21 at 2:10 pm).
The Everton hitman is currently on the sidelines with an injury, but even during the three Premier League games he has played this season, he has scored three goals.
That’s one less than Aubameyang, who has played 14 matches and one more than Alexandre Lacazette, who scored against Southampton yesterday in what was his 11th league game of the campaign.
Some would question why Calvert-Lewin, who is second behind Harry Kane for England, would move to a club that’s not in Europe – although it might look different at the end of the season.
But Merson made it clear that Arsenal are a ‘bigger club’ than Everton, as Sky presenter, Jeff Stelling, suggested that the north London club don’t have the pull now.
“Arsenal need to go out and buy Calvert-Lewin as soon as he is fit,” said Merson. “Put a massive bid in for him.
“They need a focal point up there who is good and strong.”
Stelling then asked: “Why would he go to Arsenal?” After the Sky presenter was told because ‘it’s the Arsenal’, he responded by saying “So what? So what anymore? Everton are a big club?”
“Oh, Everton are bigger than Arsenal? Don’t just say why not. Tell me a reason why they are a bigger club than Arsenal. They are going to finish above them. They have a chance. If Calvert-Lewin goes there, they can get into the top four.”
Stelling added: “If Calvert-Lewin is fit, then Everton have a chance of finishing above Arsenal, shouldn’t they?”
Everton fans would make it clear that they wouldn’t want Calvert-Lewin to go anywhere, especially in their current mess.
If Jack Grealish moved for £100 million in the summer to Manchester City, then that has inflated the transfer price for others.
Plus, whilst Arsenal are a bigger club than the Toffees, others would question why the £60 million-rated player would move to the Emirates if they don’t have Champions League football.
That door is open for them this season, but Mikel Arteta’s side have shown against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United that they are just outside of that target yet.
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