Arsenal chiefs, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, are still working to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market before this summer’s deadline on September 1.
Right now, it is reported that the potential Premier League title challengers are prioritising player sales right now after spending over £200 million on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and headline-grabbing star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
However, the possibility of another incoming hasn’t been definitively ruled out yet. Berta and co remain linked with a high-profile move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who would come in as a goalscoring number 10 to complement club captain Martin Odegaard (Sky Sports), but there is now a danger of Spurs hijacking their proposed deal.
Tottenham have burst into the race for Eze following James Maddison’s long-term injury, with the England international expected to be out for the majority of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season.
Competition from their north London rivals means Berta will be forced into a decision over bidding for Eze sooner rather than later, but the 27-year-old isn’t their only potential late signing of the summer.
Reports last week claimed that Arsenal are eyeing Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, despite the 20-year-old having only just signed a new contract in May, and the possibility of him joining on a ‘buy-to-loan’ deal has been mooted.
As well as the young Frenchman, versatile Atalanta star Ademola Lookman is beginning to surface as a more regularly-linked possible target.
The Nigerian recently announced that he’s submitted a transfer request as he looks to leave the Gewiss Stadium, and his relationship with the Serie A side now looks completely broken.
“I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough,” Lookman wrote on social media.
“I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.”
The 27-year-old was used as a CAM on occasions last term, making further cameos on the left-wing and at centre-forward, but Lookman was utilised in the majority of his appearances as a supporting second striker.
His 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions across 2024/2025 followed on from an historic Europa League final performance against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, with his stunning hat-trick both winning the trophy for Atalanta and ending Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.
Various Italian sources have reported that Arsenal are prepared to move for Lookman as Serie A giants Inter Milan continue to haggle over price.
Now, according to the newspaper Corriere di Bergamo (via FC Inter News), Arsenal are willing to pay £45 million for Lookman, more than Inter’s, and they’ve made an offer to the player himself.
However, they also report that the former Everton and Leicester City forward has no intention of accepting right now, with Lookman seemingly setting his sights on a move to the San Siro.
The African is “only” interested in Inter, but as this saga over his future drags on, Lookman faces a hefty fine amid his ongoing strike.
It remains to be seen whether Berta and Arteta can turn Lookman’s head and force a U-turn. However, as things stand, Arsenal may need to look elsewhere for alternatives.
“Being dedicated to whatever you do and knowing the secret of your business is what makes you unique,” said Jay-Jay Okocha after Lookman clinched the African Player of the Year award in 2024.
“Lookman is a unique African best Player of the Year, not just [an] African best. Go and verify what I’m saying – many are still testifying about him, and more will do so. His award is a reward for dedication and hard labour.”
