Arsenal poised to 'offer £43m bid' in transfer battle to land Serie A sensation
The Gunners are keen to send defensive star to Serie A in order to secure lethal winger
Arsenal are said to be looking into a surprise move for the Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, drafting a deal that would see Polish defender Jakub Kiwior go in the other direction.
Mikel Arteta’s squad have had a much quieter transfer window than had been anticipated with Riccardo Calafiori the only new addition. It is believed Mikel Merino will soon be unveiled as Arsenal’s latest acquisition but the deal appears to remain in the balance.
While it was thought that a new striker would also be bought, the Gunners appear to have submitted an offer in the region of £42.5 million plus add-ons for Atalanta’s star winger Lookman. According to CalcioMercato’s Alfredo Pedulla, the Gunners are also leading the race over both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain who are said to be keen on securing a deal for the in-form 26-year-old.
It is said that Atalanta are unlikely to accept the Gunners opening offer of £42.5m as they seek a transfer fee closer to £51m. However, Arsenal are now looking into including Kiwior into the deal who has seen his own game time at the Emirates significantly reduced due to the phenomenal defensive displays put on by William Saliba and Gabriel in the 2023/24 campaign.
Arsenal could well face competition for Lookman’s signature from Liverpool who are said to be watching the situation closely. Arne Slot’s side are yet to make any new signings this summer but the new head coach as hinted that players could well arrive in the final weeks of the window if they are deemed to be the right fit.
Atalanta are hopeful of keeping hold of their Nigerian international who scored 17 goals and contributed ten assists in all competitions last season. The winger was also key in helping his club secure Europa League success, beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final. The Serie A side are also reported to be considering offering the 26-year-old a new contact - with his current set to run out in 2026 - which would double his pay and include a release clause for the future.
Lookman is no stranger to the EFL having started out his career at Charlton Athletic before joining Everton in 2017. He then enjoyed a spell at RB Leipzig before being sent on loan to both Fulham and Leicester ahead of signing in the Italian leagues in 2022. After making over 30 England youth appearances, the Wandsworth-born winger switched his allegiance and has gone on to make 23 international appearances for Nigeria, scoring six times in the process.
The former Toffees star did not train alongside his teammates on Wednesday, raising questions over his future at the club and as he is represented by the same agency as Kai Havertz, it is thought any transfer deals could well be swung un Arsenal’s favour.