Liverpool have reportedly shortlisted Atalanta star Ademola Lookman as their top target this summer if they fail to tie Mohamed Salah down to a new contract.
The Egypt international, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with several top clubs around Europe and Saudi Pro League outfits showing an interest.
Liverpool are continuing to push for Salah to pen a new deal at Anfield, with his importance clear to see over the past 12 months given that he has led the club to a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
However, with no agreement in place, plans are being made for if Salah does depart. According to TuttoAtalanta, a list of replacement options has been drawn up, with Lookman ‘at the top’ of that list.
The winger is widely expected to be on the move this summer following his public falling out with Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini over his penalty-taking ability. After being publicly called out by his manager, Lookman responded with a furious statement.
The dust has now settled on the drama, though the feeling remains that Atalanta will cash in on Lookman. Though Liverpool are not the only club who have the ex-Fulham forward in their sights.
Arsenal are also keen on the 27-year-old as they look to bolster their attacking ranks, both out wide and centrally. Newcastle and Juventus are also cited as being among Lookman’s suitors as well, though the latter may struggle to secure his signature if they do not improve over the coming months and secure Champions League football.
Paris Saint-Germain – who have also been linked with signing Salah and Van Dijk – are long-term admirers of Lookman too and came close to signing him last summer, with a contract and personal terms agreed before a deal fell through.
Liverpool will be hoping that the prospect of joining a, as it stands, Premier League-title-winning club could prove persuasive in talks for Lookman though if they are forced to scour the market for a new right winger. However, most of all, the higher powers on Merseyside will be hoping they can persuade Salah to put pen to paper on a new contract and spearhead Arne Slot’s project for another season.