Report: Arsenal monitor Serie A winger after renewed transfer uncertainty | OneFootball

Arsenal Interest in Ademola Lookman Resurfaces Amid Transfer Turmoil

Lookman’s unsettled summer

Ademola Lookman has once again found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. As reported by CaughtOffside, the Atalanta winger has had a turbulent few weeks marked by speculation, absence, and public outbursts. The report notes that “Lookman returned on August 19, without even giving notice. With a spirit of service below zero, showing no respect for all those who pay his salary on time.”

This latest episode feels like a repeat of the events of last summer when rumours of Paris Saint-Germain’s interest coincided with what the article described as a “stomach ache”. At that time, things settled without major fallout. Fast forward a year, and the situation has escalated with Lookman now said to have “publicly demanded a transfer.”

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Arsenal links remain alive

What makes this story especially intriguing is the mention of Arsenal’s previous interest in the Nigerian international. CaughtOffside highlighted that “outside Italy, as I had mentioned, Arsenal showed interest in Lookman.” While it is unclear if that door will reopen, Arsenal’s well-documented need for attacking depth makes the link a logical one.

Lookman’s pace and directness would certainly appeal to Mikel Arteta’s system, yet the question of reliability remains. As the report pointed out, “if he were reinstated, by September, he’d automatically come down with another stomach ache, betray once, betray always.” Harsh words, but ones that underline the lack of trust surrounding the winger’s situation.

Atalanta frustration grows

The tension between player and club is now palpable. The article summarised the fallout bluntly: “a door slammed shut, a boulder crushing the Percassi family without the slightest scruple.” For a side preparing for another Serie A campaign, the uncertainty around one of their key attackers is far from ideal.

Lookman’s agents have also been singled out for criticism, with questions asked about their role in fuelling instability rather than resolving it. As the piece observed, “His agents, who managed this whole story absurdly, should answer this question: why did they let themselves be strung along for over a month without securing even 20% of the result?”

What next for Lookman?

For now, Lookman remains an Atalanta player, but the sense is that the relationship has reached breaking point. Whether Arsenal reignite their interest or another European club makes a move, the 26-year-old’s future appears increasingly unlikely to be in Bergamo.

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From an Arsenal fan perspective, the idea of signing Ademola Lookman is both tempting and troubling. On one hand, he is exactly the type of wide forward who could add spark and unpredictability to the current squad. He has pace, skill, and the ability to change a game in an instant. Given Arsenal’s struggles in breaking down low blocks, an explosive dribbler would be a welcome addition.

However, the concerns highlighted in the CaughtOffside report cannot be brushed aside. Discipline and professionalism are fundamental at Arsenal, especially under Mikel Arteta who has shown he will not tolerate players who disrupt the culture he has built. Lookman walking out, missing training, or allowing his agents to dictate his behaviour raises alarm bells. Fans have seen how damaging it can be when talented players arrive without the right mentality.

There is also the financial angle. With Arsenal already investing heavily in their squad, would it make sense to gamble on a player whose stock has dropped due to off-field issues? If the price is cut down significantly, perhaps in the £15-20 million range, then it could be a calculated risk. But if Atalanta demand a premium fee, supporters may prefer the club to pursue other targets such as a more consistent wide option or even another centre forward.

Ultimately, Arsenal fans would welcome Lookman’s talent but only under strict conditions. He would need to buy into the project fully, accept squad rotation, and prove that his recent behaviour was an aberration rather than a pattern. If those assurances are not there, then the club should avoid unnecessary risk.