Arsenal - Ian Wright with Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman over a potential summer move to the Emirates Stadium, according to an exclusive report by AFTV Media.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international has emerged as a top target for Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Lookman enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 season, capped by a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final triumph over Bayer Leverkusen, Italy’s first continental trophy in over a decade.
Since joining the Serie A side, Lookman has notched an impressive 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances. His pace, technical ability, and positional versatility, capable of playing on either wing or as a support striker have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. Arsenal are now said to be leading the race for his signature.
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AFTV reports that Arsenal’s interest is being driven by their desire to add depth and dynamism to a front line already featuring Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Lookman’s proven quality at the highest level, along with his familiarity with English football, makes him an attractive option for Arteta, who is looking to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
Atalanta are reportedly willing to part ways with the former Fulham and Leicester City winger for around €60 million (£51 million), and Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a structured deal to ease financial pressure.
Arsenal - Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman (Image credit: Getty Images)
Lookman, who previously struggled to make an impact during spells at Everton, Fulham and RB Leipzig, has experienced a dramatic resurgence in Italy under Gian Piero Gasperini. His transformation has reportedly caught the attention of several European heavyweights, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, and Barcelona. However, Arsenal may hold an edge, with the player understood to favour a return to England, where he still has strong family ties.
Adding further momentum to the potential deal, Atalanta have agreed to sign Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana for €21.5 million (£18.3 million), a move widely seen as a precursor to Lookman’s departure.
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Club legendIan Wright has also backed the move, expressing his admiration for Lookman’s journey and urging Arsenal to bring him back to the Premier League. Speaking on hisWrighty’s House podcast earlier this month, Wright praised Lookman’s resilience and rise to prominence.
“I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year, in respect of that man’s journey,” Wright said. “I remember him from Charlton. It didn’t work out at Everton for £10 million, then he was moving all over the place. That hat-trick in the Europa League final, one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final.”
He added: “He went through dark moments… all those loans, going abroad. But he kept pushing. And now, he’s found his place with Atalanta. I hope we can buy him Arsenal. I’d love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘I have unfinished business here, and I’m going to help Arsenal win the league.’”
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