Arsenal legend wants club to sign Lookman, Juve and Barca are also keen

Gunners legend Ian Wright says he would love Arsenal to sign Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman this summer.

Lookman has enjoyed another impressive season at Atalanta, scoring 15 goals to help the club finish third in Serie A, while he also found the net five times in the Champions League.

The 27-year-old, who Everton sold to RB Leipzig for £22.5 million in 2019, was crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in December off the back of his brilliant campaign with Atalanta in which he helped the Italian club win the Europa League with a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in the market for a versatile forward in the summer transfer window, while reports in Italy have suggested that Atalanta would listen to offers in excess of €40m (£33.6m) for the Nigeria international.

Wright believes Lookman would relish the chance to return to the Premier League and feels the winger could make an impact at Arsenal.

‘I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respect of that man’s journey,’ Wright said on Wrighty’s House podcast.

‘I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t worth out £10 million to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.

‘You know, it’s just… I can’t help but look at his dark moment, where it would have been dark for him. You know, especially all those loans going to another country. And you know what? He never had any problem going wherever he needed to go to find it. And then obviously, like you say, you find your place. Like Scott McTominay has found that, like he’s found with Atalanta.

‘I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here, so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.

‘But I just admire his journey, and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.’

And according to Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus has not abandoned its pursuit of Lookman and Mateo Retegui, two of Atalanta’s standout performers this season. Both players have attracted attention for their skill and ability to influence matches, making them appealing targets for the Old Lady. However, Atalanta’s high valuation of their assets poses a significant challenge, with the club reportedly demanding substantial fees that could jeopardise potential transfers.

Lookman and Retegui are widely regarded as players who could bring valuable qualities to Juventus’s squad. Their addition would not only enhance depth but also provide creative options in attack and midfield, areas Juventus are keen to improve. The club remains confident that, with the right negotiation, deals can be concluded to bring these players to Turin.

Atalanta is known for demanding premium fees for their key players, often placing a heavy financial burden on clubs looking to acquire their stars. This stance is likely to complicate Juventus’s efforts to secure Lookman and Retegui, especially if the club insists on a significant sum for both players. Such demands could potentially scupper the deals, forcing Juventus to reconsider or seek alternative options.

Nevertheless, Juventus’s management recognises the value these players could bring and appears prepared to meet Atalanta’s valuation if the circumstances align. Securing either Lookman or Retegui would be a strong statement of intent from the club, signalling their ambition to regain dominance in Italian football.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is keen to have a member of the attacking ranks at Serie A outfit Atalanta as part of his squad for next season.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Catalunya Ràdio, who point towards Lookman as the player in question.

It is, of course, common knowledge at this point that Barcelona are on the lookout for reinforcements in the wide areas with a view to next season.

Links with a whole host of wingers from across Europe, chief amongst them Premier League pair Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford, have in turn been forthcoming in the media.

As alluded to above, though, should deals for either not be on the table over the weeks ahead, Hansi Flick appears to have identified a backup option, by way of Italy.

As per a report from Cat Ràdio:

‘Ademola Lookman’s name has been strongly mentioned in various media outlets as a possible signing for Barça. Hansi Flick has reportedly suggested the addition of the Atalanta BC star as an attractive and economically viable option to strengthen the winger position.’

Whilst some outlets point towards Lookman boasting a €60 million price-tag this summer, others suggest that he could be landed for a sum closer to just €30 million.

The Nigerian international is fresh off another productive campaign, which saw him rack up 20 goals and seven assists across all competitions.