Paul Merson has described Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the "perfect fit" for Arsenal and has urged his former club to "break the bank" to sign him in the summer.
As per the Athletic, the reason Dusan Vlahovic was pursued most aggressively in January is that it was felt he was the most attainable in mid-season.
In that respect, Arsenal were right and Fiorentina were content to allow him to leave - for the right price.
The report adds that the Gunners are now interested in signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak in the summer.
With that in mind, Merson thinks that Calvert-Lewin is the ideal replacement for Aubameyang.
Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson said said: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a perfect fit for Arsenal and they should break the bank to sign him next summer.
"Arsenal need a world class centre-forward. They've just saved £25m in wages getting rid of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
"And they tried to spend big on Dusan Vlahovic so we know the money is there. They should be talking to Everton about Calvert-Lewin already.
"Calvert-Lewin is young and hungry. He will be England's first choice No 9 in years to come. He holds the ball up very well and he works his socks off up front.
"I've seen some centre-forwards in my time and he works as hard as any of them. Plus he's good in the air and he scores goals. I'd be doing that deal now!"
Merson, who found the net 99 times for the Gunners in 423 games, continued by explaining that Calvert-Lewin will only improve his play, and it'll be a good thing to have another English player in the Gunners squad.
"He's only going to get better and he ticks the boxes. He'd be joining a squad full of young, hungry England players that could all grow together," added Merson.
"They've got Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Ben White - they could easily have five players in the England squad if they signed Calvert-Lewin.
"Not on the fringes but right in there pushing to get in the England team. How many other teams in the Premier League could say that?"
