Ademola Lookman to Arsenal: The real reason why deal has stalled

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been heavily linked with a move to English Premier League Arsenal, but the transfer is yet to materialize, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman is expected to leave Atalanta this summer after three years at the club. He has made a mark in Bergamo, registering 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances.

Lookman has played a big role in the club's most successful period, as he scored a hat-trick to help them win the Europa League two seasons ago.

The Super Eagles star has been linked with multiple clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, Napoli, and West Ham. 

However, Soccernet.ng reported that Arsenal had opened talks to sign the Super Eagles star, but nothing concrete has come up since then.

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Meanwhile, in a new report by DailyAFC, per Gunnerblog, Arsenal have indeed opened talks with Lookman. But Atalanta's €60 million valuation has proven to be a stumbling block.

The Gunners are known to take their time when making transfers, and they are unwilling to spend €60 million on Lookman at the moment.

Will Arsenal still sign Ademola Lookman?

Regardless of the status quo, the transfer market is very fluid. And that means that a lot of changes can occur within a short time.

Hence, Lookman is still a viable option for the Gunners, especially as they need a quality left winger.

Arsenal have also been heavily linked with out-of-favour Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, but the issue is still evolving, as the Brazilian has not categorically stated that he wants out of the Bernabeu.

@David_Ornstein: “Inside Arsenal, there’s massive admiration for Rodrygo in certain quarters, I don’t know if that’s universal. I don’t know of that developing. There have been suggestions that he’s prioritising Arsenal, I’m sure they’ll be delighted!”

“It’s not like the… pic.twitter.com/ypSSW1z2KE

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 7, 2025

But even if he confirms that he wants to leave, he won't be cheap, as Los Merengues could demand up to €80 million.

Lookman would definitely be a cheaper option for Arsenal. So if their other options are too expensive or their clubs play hard ball, the Gunners may eventually circle back to Lookman.