Marquinhos to Arsenal expected in ‘coming days’, Gunners reach ‘agreement’ with Hickey, Dybala ‘open’ to move

Arsenal receive transfer blow

Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

 Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.

“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.

“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.

“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.

“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.

“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”