Nigerian international Ademola Lookman had a respectable 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games for Atalanta, who won the Europa League last season. He played in various positions, mainly as a second striker, but also as a left winger, centre forward and attacking midfielder.
He showed his power on the big stage by scoring three goals in the final against unbeaten Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Paris Saint-Germain had shown interest in the 26-year-old forward, but the French club have not made a move.
Meanwhile, Premier League sides are serious about acquiring him: according to Alfredo Pedullà (Italian journalist), Arsenal are preparing an offer of €50 million for the transfer, plus the transfer of Gian Piero Gasperini’s favourite, Polish defender Jakub Kiwior. They are preparing an offer that includes.
Atalanta, however, are demanding between €65 million and €70 million and must convince their club. Liverpool are also reported to be interested and the departure of the Nigerian attacker, who has not participated in training, could be on the move.
For Liverpool, given that they have Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, who are not must-have players, there is almost no chance that the Reds’ owners, who have tight purse strings, will take serious action, as it is not a sum they can afford to splash out.
The top priority is a right winger who could replace Egyptian international Mohamed Salah, and it is unlikely that he would even be a target. His past Premier League experience with Everton, Leicester City and Fulham is attractive, but nothing more and nothing less.
Liverpool will not activate the battle, but will Arsenal ever head into negotiations with Atalanta to strengthen their front line…?