With tensions growing between one of Serie A’s standout attackers and his manager, Arsenal are watching closely as they plan major changes up front.
MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 20: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Ademola Lookman following the winger’s fallout with Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, with Mikel Arteta keen to address his side’s attacking shortcomings ahead of next season.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international is one of several attacking players under consideration at Arsenal, as the club prepares to reshape its frontline following a third straight season missing out on the Premier League title.
Arteta’s side have scored just 64 league goals, 16 fewer than champions Liverpool and only two more than 16th-placed Tottenham, and are still searching for a reliable attacking spark after struggling with both injuries and inconsistency.
Lookman, who previously played for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, has scored 18 goals while providing seven assists across all competitions this season. In total, he has scored 50 goals, with 24 assists, in 115 games for the Italians, compared to 16 goals during his 125 games in England.
However, his future in Bergamo is reportedly in doubt after clashing publicly with Gasperini earlier this season.
The manager criticised him after Atalanta’s Champions League elimination to Club Brugge in February, calling Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen. Lookman responded bluntly, saying his manager had been “deeply disrespectful” and had unfairly singled him out.
TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 09: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
While Lookman has played a central role in Atalanta’s recent success, relations behind the scenes have reportedly deteriorated. His contract runs until 2027, but there is a €55million (£45.4m) release clause that could be activated this summer.
Arsenal have tracked several forwards this season. Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko have all been linked, but Lookman’s versatility, form, and, crucially, availability have made him a serious option. He is seen as a player who could immediately enhance Arteta’s attacking options, especially on the flanks.
Despite his previous Premier League spells being underwhelming, Lookman’s development in Serie A, capped by a Europa League final hat-trick and the African Footballer of the Year award, has re-established his reputation across Europe.
Discussions remain at an early stage, but Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely. Any move would depend not only on Atalanta’s willingness to sell but also on Arteta’s prioritisation of other key targets.
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