Arsenal's worry over Dusan Vlahovic alternative confirmed by Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand doesn't believe Arsenal will sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January.

The England international, 24, has become the Gunners' top forward target after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serb, 21, is expected to join Juventus in the coming days after the Italian giants agreed a £62.8million fee with his current side Fiorentina.

Calvert-Lewin - who has just returned from a long-term thigh injury - is one of the finest strikers not currently playing for one of the Premier League's so-called "Big Six" clubs.

The former Sheffield United youngster scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, following up from his tally of 15 in 2019-20.

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West Ham are also believed to be interested in signing Calvert-Lewin, although Ferdinand doesn't think he will leave Everton.

The Toffees are just four points and two places above the bottom three and are in danger of suffering their first relegation since 1950-51.

The manager-less team will not want to lose their prized asset, as they look to climb to Premier League safety in the coming weeks.

"There's no way," Ferdinand told his Vibe with Five YouTube channel when asked about Calvert-Lewin's proposed move to Arsenal.

"I don't think Everton let Calvert-Lewin go in this window, no chance. He's one of the crown jewels. No way!"

Former Liverpool forward John Barnes also believes Arsenal will struggle to finalise a deal for Calvert-Lewin in January, although he's urged them to keep pushing.

"Arsenal have been linked with Dominic Calvert-Lewin which would be a good signing for them," Barnes told Bonus Code Bets.

"He's young, English, shows good commitment and effort, but he is currently an Everton player and right now, he won't want to leave there.

"The Everton fans love him, he's doing well there, and he needs to show that level of consistency for club and country before he can think about moving to one of the bigger clubs.

"Realistically he hasn't done a lot for Everton to even talk about him warranting a move. However, if he was to go to Arsenal, it would be a brilliant signing for both parties, especially Arsenal."

Arsenal are said to be aware of Everton's desire to keep Calvert-Lewin until the summer and are currently looking at temporary options.

Real Madrid are reportedly happy to let striker Luka Jovic join the Gunners on loan until the rest of the season, although there are concerns about his form and attitude.

The Serb, 24, has scored just three goals in 32 La Liga appearances since joining Real in the summer of 2019, although he was prolific at former club Eintracht Frankfurt - finding the back of the net 27 times in all competitions during the 2018-19 campaign.

Three other English clubs are said to have vetoed a move for Jovic, who broke Covid rules in March and June 2020 and was slammed by Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic.

"We have the negative example of our football stars who earn millions and have ignored the obligation to self-isolate so they can return home," said Brnabic in March 2020.