Andrea Berta - Arsenal - Chelsea
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Arsenal summer transfer business is well underway, with three key signings already secured and more on the horizon. The Gunners have officially announced the arrivals of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, while Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard is expected to be unveiled later this week as their third addition.
With reinforcements in midfield and defence nearly complete, the club’s attention has now turned to bolstering its attacking options. According to multiple reports, Arsenal are edging closer to a deal for prolific Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres. Other high-profile names linked with a move to the Emirates include Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Lookman has reportedly hit a stumbling block. As perThe Athletic, the North London side are reluctant to meet Atalanta’s €50–60 million (£42.8m–£51.3m) valuation for the Nigerian international. Despite their strong admiration for the player, club executives are said to be cautious about committing to a fee they feel exceeds market value.
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Lookman has been in sensational form for Atalanta, registering 20 goals and 7 assists across 40 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign. Named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, the 27-year-old has drawn interest from several European heavyweights due to his versatility across the frontline, flair, and consistent end product.
Arsenal - Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sources indicate that Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta, has held talks with Atalanta over a potential move. However, the Serie A club remains firm on their valuation, emboldened by their acquisition of Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton for approximately €21.5 million (£18.3m). The move has been widely interpreted as Atalanta preparing for a potential Lookman exit but only on their terms.
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Arsenal’s cautious stance aligns with their recent transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Berta, which emphasises calculated spending and value-for-money signings. While Lookman’s current form and proven ability in Serie A make him an appealing target, Arsenal are also monitoring alternatives, including Rodrygo and Eze, both of whom may command even steeper price tags.
Complicating Arsenal’s pursuit further is growing competition. Premier League clubs including West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Lookman, while La Liga outfit Atlético Madrid, who maintain a solid relationship with Atalanta are also monitoring the situation. Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli are said to be interested as well, although Atalanta are believed to prefer selling the player abroad.
Lookman’s desire to return to the Premier League, where he previously featured for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, could yet work in Arsenal’s favour. However, his relatively modest record of 11 goals in 96 Premier League appearances may be weighing on the Gunners’ valuation. Since his move to Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has developed into a consistent top-tier performer, winning back-to-back Player of the Season awards and playing a starring role in Atalanta’s 2023/24 Europa League triumph.
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