English Premier League side Arsenal are said to have made Real Madrid’s Rodrygo their prime target as they shop for a new winger, despite also holding an interest in Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, PUNCh Sports Extra reports.
According to Arsenal News, the Brazil international is yet to open the door for a new challenge but the Gunners will only consider Lookman as a backup plan.
Madrid reportedly value Rodrygo at £78m. Arsenal are prepared to play the waiting game and hope to sign the Brazilian for a lower fee.
According to Corriere della Sera Arsenal still hold an interest in Lookman, in case a deal for Rodrygo fails to materialise and they are ready to spend £43m with some bonuses for the Nigerian star, but his club want more.
Atalanta are demanding £52m, as reported by Goal.
“In our view, Lookman could be the backup target for the Gunners if it becomes clear that Rodrygo won’t be leaving Madrid this summer,” Arsenal News reported.
“He has generally played as a second striker for the Italian club, but has a genuine bias for the left flank and prefers to cut inside regularly. £43m seems a pretty fair value for the versatile forward, who can operate anywhere in the final third.
“Lookman will turn 28 in October, but could be in his prime for the next three or four years at least.”
Lookman has been with Atalanta since 2022 and has made 118 appearances for the club, scoring 52 goals and registering 25 assists.
Last season, the Nigeria international enjoyed his most prolific campaign to date, netting 15 times. In 22/23, he was central as the club won the Europa League.
Lookman had a fabulous 2024/25 campaign with Atalanta, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists.
Lookman has a history in England, having played for Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester, the latter two on loan from RB Leipzig. He has enjoyed a career revival in Italy, however; he only managed to score 11 Premier League goals across his 96 top-flight appearances.
