Arsenal transfer 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.

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