Arsenal have reportedly started talks to sign Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman from Italian club Atalanta, according to AFTV Media.
The 27-year-old forward is now on Mikel Arteta’s radar as the club looks to strengthen its attack ahead of the 2025/26 season. Lookman is coming off an impressive campaign where he scored a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final, helping Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen and secure Italy’s first European trophy in over ten years.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has scored 52 goals and made 25 assists in 118 matches. His speed, skill, and ability to play across the front line have made him one of the most talked-about players in Europe. Arsenal are said to be leading the race to sign him.
The Gunners want to add more firepower alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Lookman, who already has experience playing in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, is seen as a good fit for Arteta’s squad.
Atalanta are open to selling Lookman for around €60 million (£51 million). Arsenal are exploring ways to structure the deal in installments to ease the financial cost.
Lookman’s journey hasn’t been smooth. After mixed spells in England and Germany, he has revived his career in Italy under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His performances have attracted interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, and Barcelona. However, Arsenal may have an edge, as Lookman is reportedly open to returning to England to be closer to family.
In what could be a hint that Atalanta are preparing for his exit, the club recently agreed to sign Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana for €21.5 million (£18.3 million).
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has backed the club’s interest in Lookman. Speaking on his podcast earlier this month, Wright praised the winger’s growth and resilience.
“I hope we can buy him, Arsenal,” Wright said. “I’d love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘I have unfinished business here, and I’m going to help Arsenal win the league.’”
If the move goes through, Lookman would join a growing list of Nigerian stars making their mark in top European clubs.
