Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman that would see Jakub Kiwior go in the other direction. Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, who helped Atalanta to win the Europa League last season.
Paris Saint-Germain were recently linked with a potential move for Lookman but it seems Arsenal have edged ahead in the race to snap him up. The Gunners have already submitted an offer in the region of £42.5million plus add-ons, according to Alfredo Pedulla.
It is said that Arsenal would be open to including Kiwior as a makeweight in the deal with Atalanta unlikely to accept their opening offer. They are thought to be looking for a transfer fee in the region of £51m for Lookman, who remains tied down until the summer of 2026.
Liverpool could reportedly decide to submit a bid of their own, with the Reds said to be watching the situation closely. They are yet to make any summer signings but Arne Slot has hinted that players could arrive in the final weeks of the window if they are deemed to be the right fit.
The report adds that Atalanta would prefer to keep hold of Lookman, who scored 17 goals and grabbed 10 assists in all competitions last season. They are said to be considering the idea of offering him a new contract which would double his pay and include a release clause for the future.
Lookman did not train alongside his Atalanta team-mates on Wednesday with his absence raising questions over his future at the club. It remains to be seen if he will return to the Premier League over the coming days having previously spent time at Everton, Fulham and Leicester City.
He is represented by the same agency as Kai Havertz which could swing proceedings in Arsenal’s favour when it comes to snapping him up. Other reports have suggested that Lookman has asked to be left out of Atalanta’s squads until his immediate future is resolved.
The former Charlton Athletic prospect was recently accused of disrespecting Atalanta by former Italy striker Michele Padovano, who was not impressed with the forward making himself unavailable for selection.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Lookman should have respect for Atalanta because, in previous years, he has not really exploded. Atalanta gave him the opportunity to become an important player and this attitude does not give him credit.”
