Ademola Lookman’s name is on Arsenal’s list this summer, but the level of interest is far from the full-scale pursuit some reports have implied.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international is pushing to leave Atalanta, has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan on a five-year deal worth €4.5 million a year, and is now in open conflict with his club after refusing to train for several days.
But Arsenal’s position seems to be that he is an option, not a priority.
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC bites his winner's medal as he celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Arsenal have monitored Lookman as a possible alternative to their main targets, particularly Eberechi Eze and, if circumstances allow, Rodrygo.
Enquiries have been made about his availability, and Mikel Arteta is said to admire his versatility and output, which stands at 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 Atalanta appearances.
However, much of the recent noise linking him to the Gunners seems to have been generated by agents and intermediaries. With Lookman’s preferred Inter move stalling, his representatives have apparently been offering him to Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, for around £43–50 million.
TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 09: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Atalanta have been firm. They will not sell to another Italian side and have rejected three bids from the Nerazzurri, the latest totalling €45 million with bonuses.
Their stance is also that €50 million must be met in full.
While a move to England could suit both player and club if Inter fail to to move Atalanta, Arsenal’s focus is elsewhere unless their top targets fall through or Leandro Trossard departs.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, has gone as far as to deny any formal talks between Arsenal and Atalanta, casting the speculation as agent-driven market manoeuvring.
Even so, other reports claim Arsenal are “monitoring closely” and would be ready to step in if the ‘dynamic shifts’ late in the window. Vague waffle, basically, that covers all bases.
MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 20: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Lookman’s situation is further complicated by yet another apparent broken promise. In a similar situation to the one Viktor Gyokeres found himself in, according to the player, Atalanta agreed last year to sanction his departure in summer 2024 if a suitable offer came in from a top European club.
“Unfortunately, although an offer has arrived, which I believe corresponds to what we had discussed, the club is now blocking my departure for reasons I do not understand,” he said in a recent statement.
Atalanta general manager Luca Percassi responded publicly, stating, “We promised to sell him during this transfer window on two conditions that he himself set for us: that he join a top European club and that he never join another Italian club.”
Inter’s interest satisfies the first but not the second, hence the current impasse.
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