Arsenal have added a Serie A star to their shortlist of transfer hopefuls this summer, according to a report.
Mikel Arteta’s were beaten to the Premier League title by Liverpool last week, with the story of the Gunners’ season being their lacklustre goalscoring record compared to their rivals – largely due to an attacking injury crisis and a long-standing lack of a ‘proper’ No 9.
The north London club have scored 64 goals in the league this season, 17 fewer than Liverpool, and less than Newcastle (65) and Manchester City (67).
Indeed, they have been linked with a plethora of attacking players this season, including Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko.
And now, Arsenal have joined the race to sign wantaway Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, as per Sky Sports Germany.
The Nigeria international, who has had Premier League spells with Leicester City, Fulham and Everton, has established himself as one of the premier wingers in European football at the Italian club.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman this summer
Lookman looks set to depart the Serie A club after a public feud with his manger this season
The Gunners are eyeing multiple attacking reinforcements to improve their goalscoring record
Lookman inspired Atalanta to Europa League glory last season, scoring a hat-trick in the final. His heroics saw him crowned African Footballer of the Year in December.
However, he has had public disagreements with his manager Gian Piero Gasperini and looks set to depart the club this summer.
Gasperini described Lookman as ‘one of the worst penalty takers’ he had ever seen after Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge in February.
Lookman clapped back and said his manager had been ‘deeply disrespectful’ by singling him out.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Atalanta runs until 2027, and it is understood that his release clause is worth €55million (£45.4m).
Lookman has recorded 20 goals and seven assists across all competitions for Atalanta this season, who sit third in Serie A.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres and Isak has been well documented.
Multiple reports this season have revealed that Gyokeres is interested in playing in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Arteta is believed to be a long-time admirer of Isak, and Arsenal have been linked with a move for him in recent years.
Newcastle sources insist there is no asking price for a player they want to keep at St James’ Park, but it would almost certainly take a fee in excess of the British record £115million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo if he were to leave.
Isak’s situation on Tyneside is not straightforward. He is already the club’s top earner and has a contract until 2028. However, there is no doubt a player of his calibre could demand a higher wage elsewhere.
For now, Newcastle are unable to improve his contract status because of PSR, but a return to the Champions League would likely change that stance come the summer. It would also provide the player with the platform of the top European competition he desires.
