Arsenal are still in the market for another signing this summer, despite Andrea Berta already completing deals for six different players.
Gyokeres sealed a move from Sporting CP for £63 million towards the end of last month, joining Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga through the entrance door at London Colney.
In spite of this flurry of activity, Berta isn’t done there, with a left-sided attacker still on his wishlist.
Eberechi Eze has emerged as Arsenal’s top target, although the Gunners are keeping their eyes open, exploring several different options available on the market.
Ademola Lookman has skipped Atalanta training after being linked with Arsenal
Ademola Lookman was heavily linked with Arsenal earlier this summer, and the Nigerian has now given the Gunners reason to reignite their interest.
Eager to leave Atalanta, Lookman handed in a transfer request to the Bergamo club on Sunday night.
The former Everton man has now gone a step further in his pursuit of an exit, with Sky Sports Italy reporting that he did not show up for Atalanta training on Tuesday morning.
An individual session had been scheduled, but Lookman chose not to attend, as he seeks a departure.
This sort of forceful action generally results in the player being granted his wish, and normally prompts the selling club to accept a fee lower than they’d initially hoped.
Atalanta have reportedly quoted around £52 million for Lookman, but they may now be forced to sanction a deal significantly lower than this amount.
Arsenal have to be considering Ademola Lookman at his potential price
It’s gone quiet on the Lookman to Arsenal front since the Eze rumours emerged.
However, given the precarious position Atalanta find themselves in, and the bargaining power the Gunners would have in any negotiations, Berta must seriously consider the 27-year-old.
Lookman scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 31 Serie A appearances last season – an exceptional return for a wide player.
For a fee potentially in the region of £50 million or less, there is unlikely to be a left-winger as productive as this on the market.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Martinelli | Lookman |
| Appearances | 33 | 31 |
| Goals | 8 | 15 |
| Assists | 4 | 5 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.16 | 3.24 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.29 | 0.41 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.57 | 2.44 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.20 | 0.32 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 1.3 | 1.48 |
As shown by the data above, Lookman is much more astute at getting shots off and finding himself in goalscoring positions than Gabriel Martinelli is.
He’s also more creative than his Brazilian counterpart, and a more effective dribbler.
Ultimately, Lookman would be a significant upgrade on Martinelli, and this should be explored as a genuine alternative to Eze.
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