Arsenal remain in the market for a new winger.placeholder image
Arsenal remain in the market for a new winger. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Ademola Lookman is sure about the club where he wants to be playing his football this season.
Arsenal will not be able to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer amid reports that the 27-year-old has rejected the chance to move to the Emirates Stadium.
The former Charlton Athletic and Everton man has found himself at the centre of a dramatic transfer debacle this summer, having handed in a transfer request to the Serie A outfit. The Sun carries a report from Corriere di Bergamo claiming that Lookman is waiting for Inter Milan to submit a ‘suitable offer’ that will push through a move to the club.
Ivan Juric’s side are said to be wanting at least £43.3 million for Lookman to leave, given he has two years remaining on his contract. The report claims that Arsenal had been linked with a £45 million deal for the winger with the Gunners in the market for another wide player this summer.
Arsenal to miss out on Europa League winner
Lookman is believed to have reached a personal agreement with Inter but Atalanta have now turned down two offers for the player. The winger has been at Atalanta since 2022, having joined from RB Leipzig for £9.3 million.
The star has made 118 appearances for the side since then, scoring 52 goals including a hat-trick in the 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen in 2024. Arsenal have already signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea this summer but, with Leandro Trossard linked with a move away, Andrea Berta is tipped to be brokering a swoop for another marquee signing.
The Sun adds that Arsenal will now wait to see if Real Madrid allow Rodrygo to head out on loan with the 24-year-old admired by Mikel Arteta. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is also said to be a target.
Ademola Lookman hands in transfer request
In a public statement earlier this month, Lookman said: “Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person.
“I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication. I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever.”
He added: “That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in that would allow me to move.
“I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request. Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.
“To the fans - the heartbeat of this club - I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.”
In other news, Arsenal miss Jakub Kiwior replacement opportunity after naming price for defender sale.
Continue Reading