Arsenal’s pursuit of a new attacking star has taken a dramatic turn, with the Gunners reportedly shifting their focus to Atalanta’s prolific winger Ademola Lookman after negotiations for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze hit a significant roadblock. With Mikel Arteta determined to bolster his squad for a Premier League title challenge, Lookman’s dazzling record in Serie A has emerged as a compelling alternative to the £68m-rated Eze.
Eze Deal Falters: Palace Stand Firm
Arsenal have been keen to secure the services of Eberechi Eze, the 27-year-old Crystal Palace playmaker who has a £68m (€78m, $90.4m) release clause in his contract. Despite positive talks and Eze’s reported desire to join the north London club, the deal is proving far from straightforward. With the clause set to expire before the new season begins, Arsenal attempted to negotiate a lower fee, reportedly around £55m. However, Football Insider reports that Crystal Palace are resolute, refusing to let their 11-cap England star leave for a cut-price sum, especially as they’ve struggled to strengthen their own squad this summer.
This setback has prompted Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, to explore contingency plans, and one name has risen to the top of the list: Ademola Lookman, the London-born Nigeria international who has taken Serie A by storm.
Ademola Lookman: The Serie A Sensation
Ademola Lookman’s transformation at Atalanta since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022 has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a promising but inconsistent talent during his stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, Lookman has found his true calling in Bergamo. Over three seasons, he has notched an impressive 52 goals and 25 assists in just 118 appearances, averaging a goal or assist every 1.53 games.
His standout moment came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a sensational hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s historic victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman’s versatility—capable of playing as a second striker, left winger, or right winger—combined with his direct running, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted attackers. His 2024/25 season alone saw him score 20 goals and provide seven assists in 40 matches, earning him the title of Atalanta’s Player of the Season for two consecutive years.
Atalanta’s openness to selling Lookman for a fee of around €50m (£43.6m, $58m) makes him a significantly cheaper option than Eze, presenting Arsenal with a cost-effective opportunity to add a proven goalscorer to their ranks. However, the Gunners face stiff competition, with Inter Milan reportedly preparing an improved €48m bid, including bonuses, after their initial offer was rejected.
Why Lookman Fits Arsenal’s Vision
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have already made significant moves in the 2025 summer transfer window, securing six major signings, including striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Noni Madueke. Despite these additions, Arteta is keen to add one more quality forward to complete his attacking arsenal. Lookman’s ability to play across the front line, coupled with his Premier League experience, makes him an ideal fit for the Gunners’ fluid, attacking system.
Pundit Rio Ferdinand has questioned the necessity of signing Eze, pointing out potential positional conflicts with Arsenal’s existing stars like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. In contrast, Lookman’s versatility and proven output in a high-pressing, attacking system like Atalanta’s could seamlessly translate to Arteta’s setup. Ferdinand himself noted, “I don’t think [Arsenal] need Eze. Where is he going to play?” suggesting that Lookman’s multi-faceted skill set might better complement Arsenal’s current squad.
The Race Against Time
With Lookman reportedly keen to leave Atalanta—having submitted a transfer request and publicly expressed his desire for a new challenge—Arsenal must act swiftly. The 27-year-old’s statement on social media highlighted his gratitude to Atalanta’s fans but also his frustration with the club’s handling of his future, citing “broken promises” and a need for a fresh adventure.
Inter Milan’s renewed interest adds urgency to the situation, as does the fact that Atalanta have already secured Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana as a potential replacement, signaling their willingness to let Lookman go for the right price. Arsenal’s financial muscle gives them an edge over Inter, but sporting director Andrea Berta will need to move decisively to outmaneuver the Serie A champions.
A Title-Changing Signing?
Lookman’s potential arrival could be a game-changer for Arsenal as they aim to dethrone Manchester City and end their run of three consecutive seasons as Premier League runners-up. His 77 goal involvements in three seasons at Atalanta dwarf the output of some of Arsenal’s current wingers, and his experience in high-stakes matches, including a Champions League campaign and a Europa League triumph, adds a winning mentality to the squad.
As the transfer window nears its climax, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching to see if Berta can pull off this stunning Serie A raid. With the Eze deal on the brink of collapse, Ademola Lookman’s “wing wizardry” could be the key to unlocking Arsenal’s title ambitions.