“Goodbye Gem, Ronaldo Keen on Bringing Him to Saudi” – Everton Set to Lose Another Key Player to Ronaldo’s Club After the Icon Personally Requests His Transfer to Saudi

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: What Next as Everton Striker Sparks Transfer Battle Across Europe and Saudi Arabia?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s nine-year spell at Everton looks to be drawing to a close, and the scramble for his signature is already one of the summer’s more intriguing subplots. Despite claims that he was bound to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, the reality appears far more complicated — and potentially more lucrative for the England striker.

Calvert-Lewin, whose contract with Everton expired at the end of June, has confirmed his departure from Goodison Park, ending a chapter that saw him bag 70 goals and 19 assists across 261 appearances. For many Evertonians, the news is bittersweet. On one hand, the club loses a proven Premier League striker who has led the line since 2016. On the other, injuries and patchy form have made the idea of a fresh start more appealing to all parties.

But where next? Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the queue, with Erik ten Hag said to be keen on adding a traditional number nine to share the burden with Rasmus Højlund. A source close to Old Trafford told Golden Gallon: “United have watched Calvert-Lewin for months — they know he can offer Premier League know-how and a physical presence that Højlund can’t always deliver alone.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest has been reignited after Gabriel Jesus’s ongoing fitness issues. Mikel Arteta has long been an admirer of Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess and hold-up play. One insider suggested: “Arsenal want an option B. Someone who can bully defences and give them a target in the box when Plan A stalls.”

But the biggest financial temptation may lie abroad. Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League outfit managed by Steven Gerrard, have tabled what some describe as an “eye-watering” offer. While earlier rumours pinned Calvert-Lewin to Al Nassr alongside Ronaldo, no formal approach materialised from them — instead, Gerrard’s side are understood to be pushing hardest among the Saudi clubs.

If money talks, the Saudi route could win out. But for a player who still dreams of adding to his England caps, the Premier League remains an attractive stage. That said, Aston Villa are now being tipped to enter the race with a formal bid of their own. Unai Emery’s side want to strengthen up front after securing European football, and insiders suggest they’re confident of “hijacking” rival interest.

The stakes for Everton are just as high. Losing Calvert-Lewin means Sean Dyche must find a replacement sharpish. For a side that scraped through a bruising season and narrowly dodged the relegation trapdoor, a reliable source of goals is non-negotiable.

For the player himself, the next move must balance playing time, pay packet, and potential trophies. With United, Arsenal, Villa, and Saudi millions all on the table, Calvert-Lewin is in a rare position of leverage. One thing is certain: this is no quiet exit.

Everton fans will rightly reflect on a player who gave them big goals in big moments, but football moves fast. Whether it’s Manchester, London, Birmingham or Dammam — expect an answer soon. For now, the only guarantee is that the Calvert-Lewin saga still has a few twists left.