Arsenal have expressed interest in the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee as a potential replacement for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Atalanta’s star forward Ademola Lookman as they seek to strengthen their squad.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international has been in scintillating form in 2024, earning a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, where he finished 14th. Lookman is also tipped to win the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year accolade.
Lookman’s performances have made him one of Serie A’s standout players, attracting attention from Arsenal and three other Premier League clubs Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur according to 365Sports.
Scouts from these clubs have been monitoring the Atalanta forward closely, with his current valuation standing at approximately £25 million.
This season, Lookman has been instrumental for Atalanta, contributing 10 goals and five assists in 16 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.
His latest heroics include a match-winning goal against AC Milan, earning him the man of the match award.
Despite previous stints in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, Lookman’s current form is a significant improvement.
Under Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Lookman has flourished in a system that maximises his strengths direct running, sharp movement, and an eye for goal.
However, Premier League recruiters are reportedly cautious about whether his success in Italy can translate back to England.
Lookman’s tactical role at Atalanta is highly specific, thriving in a setup that emphasises fluid attacking transitions and leverages the interplay with a strong wing-back and striker Mateo Retegui.
This unique system has raised questions about how adaptable Lookman would be to different Premier League setups.
While a January transfer appears unlikely due to Atalanta’s reliance on Lookman this season, a summer move seems more feasible.
Sources suggest that Lookman is open to returning to England, which could intensify interest among his suitors.