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Mikel Arteta | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal are preparing for the start of the new 2025/26 Premier League season
Arsenal have been busy on the recruitment front so far this summer. Their main signing has been the addition of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners have the opportunity to bring in some more new faces over the coming weeks before the deadline on Monday 1st September.
Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen short in the title race over recent years. They will be hoping that they can get their hands on the trophy in 2026. However, they are likely to face strong competition from the likes of Manchester City and current holders Liverpool.
Arsenal eye Ademola Lookman
Arsenal are ‘keeping tabs’ on Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman as they look to hijack Inter Milan’s pursuit of him, according to The Sun. The report claims the Serie A giants have had two bids rejected already as his current club hold out for a fee of around £45million. Napoli and Atletico Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Lookman, 27, moved to Italy in 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. He has made 117 appearances in all competitions and has scored 52 goals, 20 of which came last season. However, his future is now up in the air amid attention from elsewhere.
The Nigerian international, who has 29 caps to his name, rose up through the academy at Charlton Athletic. He was a regular for the Addicks at various different youth levels before breaking into their first-team as a youngster. Everton then lured him to the top flight in 2017.
Lookman spent two years at Goodison Park before testing himself with a move to Germany with RB Leipzig in 2018 on an initial loan arrangement that was later made permanent. He ended up spending three years on the books of the Bundesliga club. However, he spent some of that away on loan at Fulham and Leicester City.
Would Ademola Lookman suit Arsenal?
Arsenal could see Lookman as someone to boost their attacking department. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth going forward. He will be in confident mood as he has been in fine form for Atalanta over the last three terms.
He has recently handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force through an exit. It remains to be seen at this stage where he could end up next. He said, as per BBC Sport: "I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.”
Arsenal start the new season with a potentially tricky away trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday 17th August. They will be eager to start with a positive result against the Red Devils in the North West. The Gunners then lock horns with newly promoted Leeds United in their first home outing at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 23rd August. The Whites won the Championship title and are back in the big time along with Burnley and Sunderland.
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