Arsenal linked to Ademola Lookman with Andrea Berta “holding numerous talks”
Arsenal are expected to be very busy this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his squad ahead of another potential title challenge next season.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is leading efforts to sign at least one high-profile forward.
At the moment, Arsenal have their eyes on a blockbuster move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, but they have also been linked with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
Arsenal are heading into another crucial transfer window after yet another trophyless season. They pushed hard in both the Premier League and Champions League, but Arteta’s side fell short.
They were beaten to the Premier League title by Liverpool and bowed out to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal have a chance to make a statement in the transfer market. A marquee signing would send a message to the rest of the pack about their intent ahead of the new season.
Reports claim that a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is already in place so they’ve shifted their attention to the attacking areas.
Berta is reportedly “very active” in discussions with a number of targets, although Rodrygo and Lookman are firmly at the top of their shopping cart.
Rodrygo is admired by the decision-makers at the Emirates Stadium, but he comes with a steep price tag.
The 24-year-old is valued at €100 million (£84m) on Transfermarkt, so any more for him would require serious financial backing and likely put him among the club’s top earners.
Lookman is a more cost-effective alternative. Valued at €60m (£50m), the Nigerian forward offers versatility, being capable of playing across the front three.
The 27-year-old fired Atalanta to the Europa League title last season, scoring a hat-trick that put Bayer Leverkusen to their sword en route to a historic triumph.
His performance won him the African football of the year award, but he’s heavily expected to leave La Dea this summer.
Lookman played a crucial role in getting Atalanta to the Champions League this term. He scored 15 goals and weighed in with five assists in 30 Serie A games.
He was also in fine form in the Champions League, bagging five goals and two assists in seven games.
