‘Bombshell’ £40m Arsenal transfer twist emerges as new defender targeted – round-up

Arsenal could reignite transfer interest in Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer after the player made his request to leave the Serie A outfit public.

The Gunners have already bolstered their attacking options this summer with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke added to the ranks. However, with Leandro Trossard linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, the Premier League club may not be done with their spending quite yet.

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has emerged as a top target and has a £68 million release clause in his deal. However, Football.London believe that Arsenal could reignite interest in Lookman after his ‘bombshell’ announcement.

Arsenal could reignite Ademola Lookman transfer interest

The Gunners have been regularly linked with the former Charlton Athletic graduate in recent summers but appeared to be beaten to a swoop this summer by Inter Milan. The Serie A club had made a £40 million bid to their Italian rivals.

However, that has been turned down by the club, which did not sit well with Lookman. In a public statement this weekend, 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.”

It’s claimed that Arsenal, who are also said to still hold an interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, could turn to Lookman once again. The Atalanta man would likely represent a cheaper option than any transfer for Eze or Rodrygo and it’s clear that Inter are not currently close to pulling off the coup.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Gunners contact over defender

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal could sign another defender this summer having already added the highly thought of Cristhian Mosquera to their squad for £13 million. The Gunners are said to have made ‘initial contact’ to enquire over the possibility of a move for Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet.

The 20-year-old has recently signed a long term contract at Rennes, committing his future to 2029, but his long-term future could be at a Premier League club with Arsenal seemingly undeterred by that new deal. Romano said: “Understand Arsenal have made initial contact to show interest in French 19 year old centre back Jérémy Jacquet. Arsenal like Jacquet who recently signed new deal at Rennes until June 2029. He’s on the list as option in case of exits this month… or eventually for 2026.”

The Gunners could look to do a similar deal to that for William Saliba in 2019. The defender signed for Arsenal for £27 million in 2019 but was loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019/20 campaign to continue his progress.

In other news, Arsenal transfer 'meltdown' explained as Bukayo Saka posts Eberechi Eze story.