Would Richarlison suit Arsenal better than Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

Richarlison Calvert-Lewin

By Oli Dickson Jefford

One of Arsenal’s biggest transfer targets in the next couple of windows will likely be a new striker with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both entering the latter stages of their careers.

And, with Aubameyang’s commitment and discipline publicly questioned by Mikel Arteta ahead of the 3-0 win against Southampton, this might be something Arsenal look to sort shortly.


Someone who has been linked to the club for a while now is Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, though the England international is currently sidelined with injury.

In his absence Richarlison has been leading Everton’s attack and he caused havoc for Arsenal’s backline last Monday, and now many Gunners fans are keen to see him move to North London,

With rumours linking both Toffees stars to the club, who would be the best fit for Arsenal?


The case for Calvert-Lewin

Perhaps Calvert-Lewin’s biggest selling point is his greater consistency.

It took a while for him to grow into the striker he is now, but he scored 13 goals in 36 league appearances in 2019-20 and 16 in 33 appearances last season.

Richarlison had exactly the same record for the 2019-20 season but scored just seven times in 34 appearances last year.

The Englishman is also arguably the greater aerial threat and has got a lot quicker in recent years, while his importance to Everton has been made clearer by his absence.

He has scored three times in as many league appearances this campaign, and without him Everton have struggled hugely in front of goal.


Calvert-Lewin

The case for Richarlison

Richarlison doesn’t necessarily score as many as Calvert-Lewin but arguably offers more dynamism for current manager Rafa Benitez.

The Brazilian is faster and stronger than his English counterpart and can prove an absolute nightmare for defenders when on form.

His pace is particularly lethal, and he has a canny ability to be able to produce bursts of speed unexpectedly.

Richarlison is also one of the most fouled players in the league, meaning he could be a useful asset when it comes to scoring and setting up goals from set pieces.

There is also an argument that the Brazilian would fit in better with Arsenal’s current attack, though both men have the ability to thrive and play an integral part at the Emirates.


Who would be a better fit?

Arguments can be made for both men, and it is easy to see why both have their fans across Everton and the Premier League.

However, I would argue that Calvert-Lewin would still be a better fit for Arsenal.

Despite being out injured now, when fit he is still a better finisher than Richarlison and Arsenal need a reliable out-and-out goalscorer to take them forward.

His overall game has improved massively in recent years, and he would fit into a youthful Arsenal side but also bring a great deal of Premier League experience.

Richarlison is faster and stronger but with plenty of pace already in Arsenal’s attack, Calvert-Lewin would still be able to thrive.

The Brazilian could well make a big Premier League move in the future, but at the moment Calvert-Lewin is perhaps the more complete player.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

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