Arsenal has entered the competition to acquire Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta and is preparing a player-plus-cash proposal, potentially involving Polish defender Jakub Kiwior as part of the arrangement. The Gunners have allegedly made an initial offer of €50 million for the former Everton winger, aiming to enhance their attacking capabilities before the transfer window closes.
Lookman, 26, has distinguished himself at Atalanta since his transfer from RB Leipzig in 2022, recently showcasing his talent with a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
His remarkable performances have drawn the attention of several prominent European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, who are also interested in acquiring him. However, Atalanta remains steadfast in their valuation of the Nigerian international, reportedly setting an asking price of €70 million, as per Italian reports.
Arsenal’s initial bid does not meet this figure, leading to discussions about incorporating Kiwior into the deal to address the financial discrepancy.
The Poland international, who joined Arsenal in January 2023, has seen limited playing opportunities this season due to the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and the return of Jurrien Timber from injury. Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, is said to have an interest in Kiwior, which may facilitate the advancement of negotiations.
The potential exit of Lookman has become a prominent subject of discussion, with reports indicating that Paris Saint-Germain has made direct overtures to the player’s representatives, proposing a lucrative contract that significantly exceeds his current earnings.
In light of the interest from PSG and other prominent European clubs, Lookman seems to be considering various possibilities, with Arsenal emerging as a formidable contender for his services.
The Gunners are eager to enhance their attacking options as they strive for major titles this season, viewing Lookman as a versatile player capable of fulfilling multiple roles in the forward line.
While Arsenal is actively working to finalize the transfer, Atalanta remains firm in their stance that any proposal must align with their valuation, particularly since Lookman’s contract extends until 2026. Lookman’s value has notably increased since his transfer to Italy, where he has netted 32 goals and provided 18 assists in 79 matches for Atalanta.
His impressive performances have also attracted interest from Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, which reportedly submitted a substantial €30 million bid along with an annual salary of €11 million. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is believed to prefer staying in Europe to compete at the highest level.
