Liverpool and Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, with the latter leading the race per reports.
Paris Saint-Germain were previously in the running for Lookman as they sought a replacement for the injured Gonçalo Ramos. However, the French champions have apparently cooled their interest, unwilling to match Atalanta's asking price.
According to Italian media reports, Arsenal are in the Lookman business, with Mikel Arteta looking to bolster his options particularly on the left side of the attack, where Gabriel Martinelli has suffered a dip in form and Leandro Trossard is on the verge or turning 30.
Liverpool, while not short of options in attack, have begun work on succession planning, and are understood to be keen on a replacement for legend Mohamed Salah, who is out of contract come the end of the season.
Arsenal to offer sweetener for Ademola Lookman deal
Arsenal's bid for Ademola Lookman will reportedly see an offer in the region of €50 million, with fringe defender Jakub Kiwior thrown into the mix.
The Poland international was also offered as a makeweight in their earlier summer deal for Riccardo Calafiori but turned down a return to Serie A, so it remains to be seen if he would be more amenable to a move to Bergamo.
Atalanta have set a price tag in the range of of €60-70 million for the forward, and are likely to hold firm on that valuation in a bid to keep their attacking talisman at the club.
To that end, the Italian side are also contemplating offering Lookman new contract worth €3.5 million per season with a release clause, signaling their intent to keep the Nigerian star in Bergamo.
Lookman’s career has flourished since joining Atalanta in 2022, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s historic Europa League triumph last May. After challenging spells at Everton and RB Leipzig, a return to England now seems to be on the horizon for the Nigerian international.