As transfer deadline day fast approaches, Mikel Arteta and Edu are eyeing further reinforcements at Arsenal.
So far, the Gunners have only welcomed one new face to the club as Riccardo Calafiori signed last month after great speculation.
Since the Italian’s arrival, Arsenal have been pushing to sign Mikel Merino, with the latest bid for the midfielder rejected by Real Sociedad.
While all attention has been on Mikel Arteta’s desire to capture the 28-year-old, another player has been linked with a move to the Emirates.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are interested in Ademola Lookman, who could leave Atalanta amid increased transfer interest this summer.
PSG and Liverpool are also mentioned as admirers of the Nigerian’s form in Italy last season, where he contributed to 27 goals in all competitions.
Lauded as ‘sensational’ by Peter Crouch during TNT Sports’ coverage of the Europa League final, interest in Lookman is positive given his talent and potential although, not everyone at Arsenal would benefit from his possible arrival.
Three players who could be worried if Arsenal sign Ademola Lookman
Gabriel Martinelli
Given the array of positions that Lookman is capable of playing in attack, Gabriel Martinelli is one player whose stance in Arteta’s squad could change if the 26-year-old was to make the Emirates his home this summer.
During the 2022/23 season, the Brazilian was considered an untouchable in Arsenal’s title-challenging XI however, his form has dipped dramatically since.
Martinelli disappointed against Wolves on the opening day and is one of few players in the squad who could be forced down the pecking order.
Signing Lookman would only add to Arteta’s options going forward and being another right footed attacker, the Nigerian could pile the pressure on Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus
A player in a similar situation to Martinelli is Gabriel Jesus.
The forward is a well-loved figure at Arsenal for his direct and dangerous approach to play; however, the excitement he brings has become a rarely-seen spectacle.
Whether it be injury or a lapse in confidence, Jesus is unreliable in front of goal, something that Lookman was not last season for Atalanta.
The rumoured Arsenal target netted 11 goals in Serie A last term, seven more than Arsenal’s number nine managed in the Premier League.
Already, Jesus’ position in the pecking order has slipped due to the form of his competitors for the role with the prospect of Lookman’s arrival not set to help the 27-year-old’s claim to a starting spot.
Kai Havertz
For reasons aside from form and competition, Kai Havertz could also suffer as a result of the Gunners’ interest in Lookman.
The German initially struggled in North London as his role took time to be understood in Arteta’s side but fortunately, such lack of confidence is now a thing of the past.
Since acquiring his position at the spearhead of the attack, Havertz has contributed to 17 goals in only 14 appearances, with his confidence flowing now his purpose has been discovered.
The risk that Arteta could face by signing Lookman is throwing Havertz off balance, as the Nigerian assumed a similar role when he thrived last season at Atalanta.
While competition is welcomed to maintain top performances, changing the dynamic of the attack at this point of the summer could jeopardise the German international’s searing form.
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