Arsenal Football Club is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Ademola Lookman, the talented forward currently playing for Atalanta, according to recent insights from journalist Graeme Bailey.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, has quickly established himself as a critical figure in the Italian side’s setup.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international enjoyed a stellar season last year, making significant contributions to Atalanta’s success.
Over the course of the season, Lookman found the back of the net 17 times and provided 10 assists in 45 matches across various competitions.
His standout performances were instrumental in helping Atalanta secure the Europa League title, a triumph that marked the end of a trophy drought for the club that spanned more than 60 years.
Despite his significant impact at Atalanta, there are growing indications that Lookman could be on the move before the transfer window shuts.
Speculation about his future has intensified, particularly after his conspicuous absence from Atalanta’s squad during their opening Serie A game of the season against Lecce.
This omission has further fueled rumors that the forward might be seeking a new challenge.
Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR Football, has highlighted that Arsenal has officially expressed an interest in acquiring Lookman’s services.
The North London club has been keeping a close watch on the player’s situation at Atalanta.
However, Arsenal is not alone in the race for Lookman, as several other high-profile European clubs are also keen on securing his signature.
Among the competitors are Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with the French giants reportedly demonstrating the most concrete interest in bringing the Nigerian forward to their ranks.
According to Transfermarkt, Lookman’s market value currently stands at approximately £34 million, a figure that reflects his rising stock in European football.
With two years remaining on his contract with Atalanta, the Italian club holds a strong hand in negotiations.
This contract duration allows Atalanta to command a significant transfer fee should they decide to part ways with one of their key players.
Historically, Atalanta has been known for their firm stance in transfer negotiations, especially when it involves selling their top talents.
Therefore, if Arsenal decides to move forward with their interest in Lookman, they would need to be prepared to present a substantial offer to convince Atalanta to sell.
Lookman’s playing style is one of his most appealing attributes, particularly for a team like Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
The forward is renowned for his technical prowess, his ability to maintain possession under pressure, and his skill in navigating through tight defensive lines with his dribbling.
These qualities align well with Arteta’s tactical approach, which emphasizes possession-based football and quick, incisive attacking play.
Lookman’s versatility and creativity in the final third could potentially add a new dimension to Arsenal’s offensive options.
As the transfer window draws closer to its conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will escalate their interest in Lookman into a concrete bid.
The club is currently in the midst of their Premier League campaign, having started the season on a positive note with a 2-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Looking ahead, Arsenal faces a challenging fixture at Villa Park against Aston Villa.
Given that they suffered a defeat in the same fixture last season, Arteta and his squad will be eager to reverse that result and continue their strong start to the season.
In the context of Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy, the potential acquisition of Lookman would represent a significant move, further enhancing the squad’s depth and attacking options as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this season.
However, with stiff competition from other top European clubs, Arsenal will need to act decisively if they are to secure Lookman’s signature before the transfer deadline.
