Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal interest in Ademola Lookman has intensified, with reports suggesting the club has rekindled their interest to sign the 27-year-old winger.
Lookman, who has been linked with a Premier League return, has impressed with 20 goals in the recent campaign and a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final win against Bayer Leverkusen last year with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly a keen admirer of the forward.
However, his exit from Atalanta seems imminent following a falling out with the club’s former head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who has since moved to Roma. Atalanta replaced Gian Piero with Ivan Juric as their new head coach, with the Croatian signing a contract until June 2027.
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Known for his high-pressing, three-man defence system, Juric previously managed Torino, Hellas Verona, and Crotone, achieving Serie A promotion with the latter. Despite recent struggles at Roma and Southampton, Juric’s tactical alignment with Gasperini’s philosophy made him a fitting choice for Atalanta’s Champions League campaign.
Juric is also known for his high-pressing, very tactical style of game, which Ademola Lookman may find it very hard to adapt to. The changes in the Atalanta hierarchy may move the pacy forward to look for a new club that will match his energy.
Arsenal - Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta who is well-known for his tricky transfer businesses may take advantage of this development to land the clubs most wanted target.
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Arsenal reported focus on signing a wide forward this summer has also led them to consider other targets like Rodrygo and Rafael Leao.
The transfer fee for Lookman is expected to be between £38.4 million and £42.7 million, which Arsenal’s squad appears more likely to afford compared to Liverpool, who are also reportedly interested in the winger. Liverpool have already spent over £200 million on signings.
To facilitate Lookman’s exit, Atalanta has agreed to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton for £18.3 million, with £3.3 million in potential add-ons. This development increases Lookman’s chances of leaving Atalanta, and Arsenal’s interest in the player seems to be gaining momentum. With Atalanta looking to welcome new talent, including Italian wonderkid Honest Ahanor from Genoa, the season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Arsenal fans.
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