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Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly showing interest in Atalanta star Ademola Lookman. The 26-year-old Nigerian attacker, having previously played for Everton, knows the Premier League well.
English journalist Graeme Bailey (via GiveMeSport) reports that Lookman is on the radar of both the Gunners and the Merseysiders. They could make an 'audacious' move for the forward who excelled last season, playing a crucial role in La Dea's Europa League triumph.
Lookman bagged 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games across competitions last season. That included a famous hat-trick in a 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, ending the Bundesliga giants' 51-game unbeaten run.
Atalanta is asking for around £51 million (€60 million) for Lookman, for whom Liverpool has already made a play for. It's claimed the Merseysiders have been in contact with the Nigeria international's representatives.
Lookman will have to put his connection with their cross-city rival Everton aside if he were to head to Anfield. That's not the only destination on offer for him if he decides to leave the Serie A club this summer.
Arsenal is also monitoring the former Fulham forward, whose versatility could be hugely beneficial. Paris Saint-Germain is also in the race as they continue to rebuild post-Kylian Mbappe.
"I don't know" - Gian Piero Gasperini unsure about Ademola Looman's future amid Arsenal and Liverpool links
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini gave an honest take on Lookman's situation. The Italian coach admitted he doesn't know what his squad will look like when the transfer window closes (via Tuttosport):
"Nobody expected this situation, which is why I am currently sailing by sight. I don't know what will happen, but my job is to assemble as much as possible together with the club. It is clear that we will actually have the definition of the squad on August 31st."
Lookman was pivotal for Gasperini last season, and his potential exit could be problematic. Teun Koopmeiners is similarly linked with a departure, with Juventus trying to bring the Dutch midfielder to the Allianz Stadium.
Gasperini touched on both players' situations (via DAZN):
"I owe a lot to Koopmeiners and Lookman; they have always been sincere with me. It’s unfortunate that this situation arises just as the season is starting."
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022 for €9.35 million. He started his career in England with Charlton Athletic before spells at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City.
Given his prominence in English football, the Nigerian is a player on whom Arsenal and Liverpool may already have scouting reports. His rise in Serie A has made him one of Europe's most wanted forwards.
