Arsenal have reportedly “knocked on the door” regarding Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian winger currently plying his trade at Atalanta.
The interest comes amidst an uncertain period for Lookman, who has been absent from the squad as the Serie A side navigates the final days of a chaotic transfer window.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring their second goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Lookman’s absence from Atalanta’s recent matchday squads has raised speculation about his future, especially with the transfer market still active.
Initially, his exclusion was linked to interest from PSG, but the latest update from Italy suggest Arsenal have also made enquiries about the 25-year-old.
With the transfer window closing on August 30 in most major leagues, Atalanta’s hesitation to reintegrate Lookman into the first team adds fuel to the rumours of a potential move.
BERGAMO, ITALY: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC celebrates his goal with his team-mates during the Serie A TIM match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on June 02, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the situation by stating that Lookman has been training individually since returning from a break.
Although Gasperini hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Lookman staying, the conditional nature of the situation until the end of the transfer window leaves the door open for Arsenal and other clubs to make a late bid.
Lookman was a key figure for Atalanta last season, contributing significantly with 17 goals and 10 assists. His performances in the UEFA competitions also put him on the radar of several top clubs.
However, a combination of market dynamics and the player’s own mindset has kept him on the fringes as the new season gets underway.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman attends a training session on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup football match Real Madrid v Atalanta Bergamo in Warsaw, Poland, on August 13, 2024. (Photo by SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images)
For Arsenal, who have been exploring options to strengthen their attacking depth, Lookman represents a versatile option who can play across the front line.
Sources in Italy suggest that while Arsenal have made initial contact, no formal bid has been submitted yet.
The club is likely weighing their options as they assess whether to make a concrete move for the former Leicester City and Everton winger.
Lookman, who has experience in the Premier League, could be an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, offering both pace and creativity.
WARSAW, POLAND – AUGUST 13: Ademola Lookman from Atalanta Bergamo during a training session before UEFA Super Cup 2024 at National Stadium on August 13, 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)
Atalanta, meanwhile, are not in a rush to sell unless a significant offer comes in. They remain focused on ensuring they have a balanced squad amidst a string of injuries and other transfer dealings.
The club’s recent activity in the market has seen them bring in reinforcements, but they are aware that losing a player of Lookman’s quality could create a gap in their offensive options.
As it stands, the situation remains fluid. Arsenal’s interest is real, but much will depend on whether the North London club decides to move quickly before the window shuts.
For Lookman, who has openly expressed his desire to be a key player wherever he plays, the next few days could be decisive in determining his future.
