Former forward Kevin Campbell has warned his old side against signing this summer with the Everton striker struggling for form.
Calvert-Lewin, 25, has been linked heavily with a £50million move to the Emirates at the end of the season with manager Mikel Arteta looking to sign a new striker to replace who left to join in January.
However, following an impressive campaign last year where he scored 16 Premier League goals, Calvert-Lewin has hit the back of the net just three times this season as he has battled with injuries.
Campbell – who made over 200 appearances for the Gunners – believes Arsenal should end their interest in Calvert-Lewin and would rather them sign a striker who will hit the ground running.
Speaking to , he said: ‘Calvert-Lewin has to get himself going for before thinking about transfers.
‘This season has been such a difficult one for him. He’s been back for a little while now and you can see that he is not quite right.
‘ cannot afford to be buying players who are out of form who cost huge amounts of money. We have to buy players who are ready to make an impact straight away. Players that are right on it.
‘I’m not saying Calvert-Lewin isn’t good but I’m sure there are better strikers out there that Arsenal could sign for cheaper as well. So I think that is the road they will go down.’
Since being signed by the Toffees in 2016, Calvert-Lewin has emerged as one of Everton’s key players.
Following a steady start to his career at Goodison Park, a significant upturn in form last year saw the Englishman finish sixth in the Premier League’s top goal scorers list and named Everton’s player of the season for 2021.
His strong performances caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate who selected Calvert-Lewin in his Three Lions squad for the first time in October 2020 as he scored on his debut against Wales at Wembley in a 1-0 victory.
This season, Calvert-Lewin has struggled with form and injuries but his rise has impressed Arteta who believes he can sign the centre-forward with Everton keen to recoup some revenue after recording losses of over £100m last year.
Some weeks ago, Arteta spoke of the club’s intention to add to their squad this summer, especially with strikers Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette said to be leaving and European qualification on the horizon.
He said: ‘The Champions League and the Europa League both require a much larger squad because the amount of games is much bigger.
‘If we can afford it financially and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to, what I want is 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.’
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