- Ademola Lookman played 36 times for the Toffees between 2017 and 2019
- Since then he has scored a hat full of goals for Atalanta and won the Europa League
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Arsenal have reportedly made ‘a substantial bid for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman’ as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking line in a last-minute move.
The North London club have offered £42.5million (€50million) plus centre-back Jakub Kiwior in a bid to bring the former Everton winger to the Emirates Stadium.
Lookman made 36 appearances for the Toffees between 2017 and 2019 before moving to RB Leipzig, where he enjoyed a number of successful loan spells.
After a season at Fulham and a season at Leicester City, the Nigerian international moved to Atalanta, where he played 79 games, scored 32 goals and won the Europa League in May.
Now it looks set to be a return to the Premier League for the 26-year-old, with giants Arsenal and Liverpool lining up for the erratic forward. Alfredo Pedulla defeated.
Arsenal reportedly ‘made substantial bid for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman’
Mikel Arteta wants last-minute reinforcements for his attacking line
Liverpool are also in the race for the erratic forward as Arne Slot looks to make a first signing
The Italian journalist says that Lookman did not show up for training yesterday, although the move was probably approved by the club.
Arsenal’s bid has a chance of success, with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini eyeing Kiwior, but the asking price for the winger is believed to be in the £55-£60 million (€65-70 million) range.
The Anfield club are also interested in the former England youth international and the growing interest may force the Serie A club to offer Lookman a better contract.
The striker, born in Wandsworth, London, made 32 appearances for the Three Lions’ age group and won the 2017 Under-20 World Cup.
He came through the youth ranks at Charlton and moved to Goodison Park earlier that year.
Since switching clubs, he has made 23 appearances for Nigeria, scoring six goals.
The highlight of his career was the 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, who were unbeaten all season. He scored a hat-trick, becoming the first player to do so in a one-match European final since 1969.
Arsenal have had a busy pre-season, including permanent signings Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya, and now the aim is to bring in Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
The midfielder was left out of La Real’s squad for their La Liga season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and club president Jokin Aperribay recently confirmed a bid from the Gunners.
The North London club have made a bid of more than £50million for centre-back Jakub Kiwior
Lookman made 36 appearances for the Toffees between 2017 and 2019
Arsenal had a busy pre-season both on and off the pitch with the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori
A move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is also being considered, with Aaron Ramsdale set to leave North London.
In terms of outgoing transfers, Emile Smith Rowe is the only senior player to have left permanently, moving to Fulham for £27m.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have not signed a single player all summer, but are hoping to secure the services of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.