Why Ademola Lookman is perfect for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nerazzurri submitted an initial loan with an option to buy bid to La Dea, but the offer was rejected. Inter have then upped their offer, placing subsequent €40m and €45m bids, all of which Atalanta rejected.

The club's act angered Lookman, as he already had an agreement with Ivan Juric's side to exit Bergamo this summer, but the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners are not fulfilling their end of the bargain.

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Lookman‘s rift with Atalanta

Lookman has already agreed to personal terms with Inter Milan ahead of a potential move, with a four-year deal and €4.5m annual salary in principle, but Atalanta went ahead to decline Inter's offer while offering the CAF Player of the Year a new €5m-per-year contract, which he immediately rejected.

The former Everton winger has now handed in a transfer request and taken to his social media platforms to express his displeasure at how he was treated by the club.

pic.twitter.com/0s81QMk6qR

— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) August 3, 2025

The Super Eagles star initially aired his displeasure after he was blasted by Atalanta's former coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Italian gaffer labelled the England-born forward as the worst penalty taker he's seen after he missed a spot-kick in Atalanta's UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

Atalanta's poise could be Arsenal‘s gain

Lookman rejected Napoli's advances because he only wants to join Inter Milan, but if Atalanta are unwilling to negotiate with them, that opens the door for another club, specifically Arsenal.

Arsenal fans have not been convinced by their preseason performances, especially after their 1-0 defeat to Spurs in Hong Kong, considering they've splashed the cash to bring in Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.

Gabriel Martinelli has also had his fair share of criticism, as his performances have been underwhelming over the past two seasons, and it has been reported that the Gunners are considering Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo Goes as their left wing options.

Lookman has been linked with Arsenal in the past, and a move to the Emirates could now become a tempting option.

Lookman's output over the past three seasons have been impeccable compared to Martinelli, Eze, and Rodrygo. His pace, vision, and finishing are arguably an upgrade on what Arsenal currently have.

With Atalanta declining all of Inter's offers, it appears Ivan Juric's side are holding out for a fee between €50m and €60m.

So, the ball is now in Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta’s court. While Arsenal focus on completing a deal for Eberechi Eze, a late swoop for Lookman might just be worth considering and could turn out to be the best deal this summer.