Arsenal chasing top European striker but could also move for struggling Everton star

Arsenal’s Premier League title charge took yet another blow on Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by rivals West Ham United at The London Stadium. 

The Gunners had raced into a two-goal lead within ten minutes, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard, but they failed to maintain their dominance.

Said Benrahma pulled one back for The Hammers before half-time, and then in-form forward Jarrod Bowen levelled things up with a sublime first-time volley.

Mikel Arteta’s side now sit just four points above reigning champions Manchester City, who have a game-in-hand on the London side.

Regardless of whether or not Arsenal do win their first Premier League title in two decades, it looks almost certain that the north London outfit will be busy during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Those in charge of the club will want to bolster their squad to ensure they challenge for the title once again next term, although it appears that they could be considering a shock move for an out-of-form Premier League striker.

According to Football Insider, The Gunners are plotting a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer but, if they fail to sign the Serbian, could instead look to Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a shock target for Arsenal this summer

While Arteta is said to be happy with the contributions of both Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in leading the line for his side this term, the Spaniard is reportedly pushing those in charge of the club to move for a new striker when the transfer window reopens.

Vlahovic, 23, has been in fine form for Juventus this season, scoring eight times in 21 Serie A appearances.

The Serbia international has scored 20 goals in 54 matches for the club across all competitions since joining from Fiorentina in January 2022, but is contracted to his current side until 2o26 and could therefore prove difficult to lure away from Turin.

Arsenal were originally interested in the striker before he departed Tuscany, but he ultimately joined Juventus.

Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has endured a disappointing season with struggling Everton so far.

The 11-time England international has netted just once in 12 matches this season, with injuries having sidelined him for much of the campaign.

The 26-year-old is a proven Premier League striker, though, having scored 16 goals in 33 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.

Arteta has requested that Arsenal prioritise a move for Vlahovic this summer, with Calvert-Lewin named as his preferred back-up option if a deal for the Juventus star can’t be agreed.