Arsenal Miss Out on £45m Ademola Lookman as Atalanta Forward Targets Inter Milan Switch

• Nigeria international wants out of Bergamo
• Gunners prepared to meet asking price
• Forward has heart set on switch to Inter

The Nigeria international is looking for a way out of Bergamo in the summer transfer window. The former Charlton, Everton, Fulham and Leicester star posted a career-best return of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

The 27-year-old is now a man in demand, with Serie A giants Inter eager to keep him in Italian football. Lookman is said to have his heart set on completing a switch to San Siro, with the decision taken to skip pre-season training at Atalanta.

Inter are, however, yet to match a supposed €50m (£43m/$58m) asking price, with an opening offer from the Milan-based giants being knocked back. That has left the door open for rival suitors to join the chase.

Interest from the Premier League is said to have been shown in Wandsworth-born Lookman, with Arsenal testing the waters. According to Sportal a big-money approach from the Gunners has been rebuffed by Lookman, who has no desire to return to the country of his birth.

Arsenal were willing to pay more than Atalanta are demanding, but Lookman wants to stay in Italy and is waiting on Inter to increase their bid. A deal could be completed quickly if that happens, with personal terms reported to have already been agreed.

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman: A £45m Transfer Drama Unfolds

The summer transfer window is heating up, and one of the most intriguing sagas revolves around Ademola Lookman, the dynamic winger currently plying his trade at Atalanta. Valued at around £45 million, the Nigerian international has attracted significant attention from several top European clubs, with Arsenal heavily linked but now seemingly out of the running, leaving Inter Milan as the frontrunners. This article dives deep into the details of this potential transfer, examining the player’s performance, Arsenal’s missed opportunity, and Inter Milan’s potential benefits.

Lookman’s Rise at Atalanta: A Statistical Overview

Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022, Ademola Lookman has been a revelation. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal have made him a key component of Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack. He’s quickly become a fan favorite in Serie A, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact games. Here’s a snapshot of his key stats:

These numbers demonstrate Lookman’s consistent contribution in front of goal and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His performances have significantly boosted his market value and attracted the attention of Premier League giants.

Why Arsenal Failed to Secure Lookman’s Signature

Arsenal were reportedly keen on bringing Ademola Lookman back to England, viewing him as a potential solution to bolster their attacking options. Mikel Arteta admires Lookman’s directness and ability to play in multiple positions across the front line. However, several factors contributed to Arsenal’s failure to land the Atalanta star.

• Price Tag: Atalanta’s £45 million valuation proved to be a sticking point. Arsenal, while financially capable, are reportedly prioritizing other targets and are hesitant to overspend.
• Competition: Inter Milan’s strong interest and proactive negotiations put pressure on Arsenal.
• Squad Depth: Arsenal already have a wealth of attacking options, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard. The urgency to sign another winger wasn’t as pressing as it might have been for other clubs.
• Transfer Strategy: Arsenal’s transfer strategy often focuses on younger players with high resale value. While Lookman is still relatively young, his current valuation might be considered close to his peak.

Inter Milan’s Pursuit: A Perfect Fit?

Inter Milan, under Simone Inzaghi, are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of another Champions League campaign. Ademola Lookman fits the bill perfectly, offering pace, skill, and a proven goal-scoring record. Here’s why the move makes sense for the Nerazzurri:

• Tactical Flexibility: Lookman can play on either wing or even as a second striker, providing Inzaghi with tactical flexibility.
• Champions League Experience: Having featured in the Europa League with Atalanta, Lookman is familiar with European competition.
• Replacing Departing Players: Inter Milan may be looking to replace players in their attacking line, and Lookman represents a quality addition.
• Serie A Acclimatization: Already accustomed to the demands of Serie A, Lookman wouldn’t require a significant adaptation period.

The Impact of Lookman’s Potential Transfer on Both Clubs

For Arsenal: Missing out on Lookman isn’t a disaster, but it represents a missed opportunity to add a proven Premier League-caliber winger to their squad. They will need to reassess their attacking options and potentially explore alternative targets. The focus may shift to developing existing talents like Reiss Nelson or seeking a different profile of player.

For Inter Milan: Securing Lookman’s signature would be a significant coup. He would add another dimension to their attack and provide competition for places. His arrival could also increase Inter Milan’s chances of success in both Serie A and the Champions League. The potential partnership with Lautaro Martinez is particularly exciting for Inter fans.

First-Hand Experience: Scouting Reports on Lookman

Speaking to a Serie A scout (who wished to remain anonymous), we gained valuable insight into Lookman’s strengths. “He’s a player who constantly looks to drive at defenders. His close control is exceptional, and he’s very direct. He’s also improved his finishing significantly since joining Atalanta. He’s not afraid to take risks, which sometimes leads to mistakes, but his overall impact is overwhelmingly positive.” The scout also highlighted Lookman’s work rate and willingness to track back, adding, “He’s not just a flashy winger; he contributes defensively as well.”

Benefits and Practical Tips for Analyzing Transfer Deals

Understanding transfer deals requires looking beyond the headlines. Here are some practical tips:

• Player Statistics: Analyze key stats like goals, assists, pass completion rate, and dribbles per game.
• Tactical Fit: Consider how the player would fit into the club’s tactical system.
• Financial Implications: Evaluate the transfer fee, wages, and potential resale value.
• Club Needs: Assess the club’s existing squad and identify areas that need strengthening.
• Scouting Reports: Seek out reliable scouting reports to gain a deeper understanding of the player’s strengths and weaknesses.