Ademola Lookman could join Arsenal in a spectacular move, but only if several factors fall into place.
The forward has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta as he looks to force through a transfer to Serie A rivals Inter Milan, who have made a bid in the region of €45million, including add-ons.
BERGAMO, ITALY - DECEMBER 10: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Ademola Lookman is looking to leave Atalanta after three years in BergamoCredit: Getty
According to reports in Italy, Lookman has now gone on strike after growing frustrated with his employers' refusal to grant his exit.
This came after the Nigeria international blasted the club for 'broken promises' over his future in an explosive social media statement.
But Inter may soon have competition in their attempts to sign Lookman, with Arsenal also keeping tabs on his situation.
Mikel Arteta's side are keen to bolster their options on the left wing, which has become something of an issue over the last year.
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Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both failed to deliver consistently last term, leading the Gunners to be linked with a number of targets capable of playing off the left.
Could Ademola Lookman join Arsenal?
According to talkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, while Lookman favours Inter, there is a set of circumstances which could make a move to the Emirates more likely.
He told talkSPORT: “Ademola Lookman has actually handed in a transfer request.
“My understanding is that he wants the Inter move and there's an offer on the table in the region of €45m, including the add-ons.
“And Lookman thinks the Inter move and also the fee put down, which has been rejected by Atalanta, is fair and he wants to leave and he's pushing to stay in Italy."
Discussing a potential return to England, Jacobs explained that one of Arsenal's current wingers would firstly have to make way in order to turn their interest into something more concrete.
Gabriel Martinelli scored 10 goals in all competitions last season
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Gabriel Martinelli scored 10 goals in all competitions last seasonCredit: Getty
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrating a goal.
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18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaignCredit: Getty
On top of this, the north Londoners must also consider whether Lookman's versatility would threaten the progress of other current first-team stars, who can also operate in attacking midfield.
This includes £52m summer arrival Noni Madueke, and young talent Ethan Nwaneri, who recently signed a new long-term contract.
Jacobs explained: “Could Arsenal come in?
"Potentially, they appreciate him, but it falls into the category of Rodrygo or Anthony Gordon, or even Rafael Leao.
"These are names that Arsenal like, but two things have to happen.
“The first, an outgoing, either Gabriel Martinelli, who Arsenal have kind of said all summer is not for sale, or Leandro Trossard."
Lookman scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory in last year's Europa League final
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Lookman scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory in last year's Europa League finalCredit: Getty
He added: “And then they have to decide whether or not bringing in a versatile attacker either stifles Noni Madueke, who the expectation is will get time on the right and the left, or alternatively stops Ethan Nwaneri, who's just signed a new five-year deal, getting opportunities on the right or through the centre.
“So this is an internal discussion where Arsenal are putting the brakes on adding another attacker for now.
“They're focused on outgoings and we'll have to wait and see whether anything develops further down the line.
“But at the same time, Inter haven't given up and Lookman is really pushing for that move.”
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Since joining the Italian side in 2022, the 27-year-old has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances across all competitions.
Those strikes include a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final to clinch the club's first-ever European trophy.