HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally agree transfer fee to sign a goalscoring winger who’s set to replace Gabriel Martinelli after his terrible game vs Villarreal
Arsenal have reignited their interest in a potential summer move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, journalist Kostas Lianos has claimed.
The Gunners are believed to be closely monitoring Lookman’s situation in Italy, as the 27-year-old pushes to leave the Serie A club before the 1 September transfer deadline.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the former Everton attacker over the past 12 months and could step up their pursuit should they miss out on other targets, including Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
The England international is a long-standing target for Arsenal, and talks over his potential arrival at the Emirates could accelerate in the coming days, with an initial offer for Eze reportedly ‘imminent’.
Lookman, who finished 14th in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, is under contract with Atalanta until June 2027.
Arsenal Targeting Move for Ademola Lookman
According to Lianos, Arsenal are facing competition from several European clubs for Lookman, who is believed to have handed in a transfer request to leave Atalanta after three seasons with the club.
Inter Milan have already seen two bids rejected for the ‘world-class’ 27-year-old, with Atalanta insisting they will not sell to another Italian club.
The Nerazzurri’s latest offer is believed to have reached around £40m, but the Bergamo side are holding out for at least £45m to sanction a departure.
Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the Nigeria international, who has emerged as one of Serie A’s most prolific forwards since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Lookman has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances for Atalanta.
Lookman enjoyed a particularly memorable 2023/24 campaign, leading Atalanta to Europa League glory with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old forward registered 20 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances last season, including seven goal contributions in the Champions League.
Arsenal have already bolstered their attacking options this summer with the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, and are expected to offload outcast Fabio Vieira soon, with talks.
