It has been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, to say the least.
At one point, it looked like Mikel Arteta's side were falling behind their rivals in the transfer market, only for them to then go out and splash the cash on the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
Additionally, a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres appears to be nearing its conclusion, and the promising Cristhian Mosquera underwent his medical yesterday afternoon.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
However, not every deal has garnered such a positive response, and it would perhaps be an understatement to say that Noni Madueke's imminent arrival has split the fan base.
Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the club are already looking at another international ace, someone who would be a better signing than the Englishman.
Noni-Madueke-Chelsea
Arsenal target who'd be better than Madueke
While some of the responses to the move to sign Madueke have been entirely over the top, it's not hard to see why some might not be overjoyed with it.
The first point is that, with the final price potentially reaching up to £52m, there is some argument that the North Londoners could be overpaying for a player who didn't exactly excel last year.
Moreover, he's yet another player making the now all-too-familiar move from Chelsea to the Emirates, and the second player to do so this summer after Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea players signed by Arsenal
There is every chance the dynamic winger comes good and proves everyone wrong next season, but as things stand, it's a somewhat confusing transfer, especially as the club is now looking at someone who'd represent a far better move.
At least that is according to Wednesday's edition of Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in Ademola Lookman.
The report has claimed that the Gunners are going to initiate talks with Atalanta soon with Andrea Berta and Co prepared to pay €50m, which is about £43m to sign him. However, the report notes that a bid is only likely to be accepted if the Italian side receives €60m - £52m.
It could be a complicated and reasonably costly transfer to get over the line, but Lookman would be worth it and represent a far better signing than Madueke.
Why Lookman would be a better signing than Madueke
It might sound simplistic, and that's because it is, but one of the main reasons Lookman would be a far better signing than Madueke this summer is his output.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
For example, in the 23/24 campaign, he scored 17 goals and provided ten assists in 45 appearances, which was an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games.
Then, last year, he did even better, producing as many goal involvements, but in just 40 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.48 games.
In stark contrast, the Chelsea ace scored eight goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances during the 2023/24 season, and then scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances last season.
In other words, the former PSV Eindhoven star averaged a goal involvement every 2.83 games two years ago, and one every 2.87 games last year.
Lookman vs Madueke
23/24
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Goal Involvements per Match
Minutes per Goal Involvement
24/25
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Goal Involvements per Match
Minutes per Goal Involvement
All Stats via Transfermarkt
On top of the output, the former RB Leipzig ace is also far more versatile, being comfortable playing across the frontline and even in attacking midfield, compared to the Englishman, who mainly plays off the right.
Finally, the "world-class" Nigerian international, as dubbed by journalist John Bennett, has also proven he can step up on the biggest stages, as he scored a hat-trick to win Atalanta the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
Ultimately, Madueke might come good, but Lookman feels like a sure bet, and that is why Arsenal should look to sign him as well this summer.
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[Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM](https://www.footballfancast.com/artetas-new-xhaka-arsenal-held-talks-to-sign-world-class-palhinha/ "Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM")
The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.