Deal complete: Eberechi Eze is absent from sporting pre-season training as he is set to sign a 7-year contract with Arsenal; he has met Arteta for the first time.

Arsenal have reportedly added Ademola Lookman to their list of attacking targets amid their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

CaughtOffside reports that the Gunners are eyeing more attacking signings, and Eze remains top of their wishlist. Mikel Arteta is also an admirer of Lookman, who could be an alternative option if they miss out on the Palace attacker.

Lookman has caught the eye throughout his time at Atalanta, playing a crucial role in their 2023-24 Europa League triumph. He became the first player in the competition’s history to score a hat-trick in a final in a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal Keen On Lookman If Eze Deal Collapses

Lookman was nominated for the Ballon d’Or last year amid a stellar season, which saw him bag 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games across competitions. He replicated such form last term despite a tumultuous time at Gewiss Stadium when he fell out with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini over a missed penalty.

Gasperini left the Italian side earlier this summer which could have implications on the Nigeria international’s future. But a return to the Premier League is becoming a real possibility with Arteta looking to pounce if Eze doesn’t arrive.

There have been “positive talks” held between the Gunners and Eze regarding a potential move, but Palace are demanding £60m. Liverpool are also in the mix for the England international despite the arrival of Florian Wirtz.

The North Londoners are already splashing £50m on Noni Madueke, which eats some way into their transfer budget. Lookman is thought to be available for around £43.2m (€50m) and he has been more prolific than the Eagles’ FA Cup winner.

There have been “positive talks” held between the Gunners and Eze regarding a potential move, but Palace are demanding £60m. Liverpool are also in the mix for the England international despite the arrival of Florian Wirtz.

The North Londoners are already splashing £50m on Noni Madueke, which eats some way into their transfer budget. Lookman is thought to be available for around £43.2m (€50m) and he has been more prolific than the Eagles’ FA Cup winner.