Arsenal add Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman to summer transfer shortlist

Arsenal have reportedly added Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman to their transfer shortlist but face stiff competition from Manchester United and Juventus.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that the Gunners are now considering a move for the 27-year-old winger, who is eager to take the next step in his career this summer.

However, both Juventus and United are also keeping a close eye on the former Fulham loanee.

Lookman has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in his career, going from being surplus to requirements at RB Leipzig to becoming a key figure at Atalanta, where he has played an integral role in the team’s European campaigns.

With his impressive performances attracting interest from top European clubs, Lookman’s potential departure from the Italian side could be imminent.

However, with his contract running until 2027, Atalanta are unlikely to let him go cheaply.

The winger’s exit from Atalanta may have been hastened by a recent spat with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.

“He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”

Ademola Lookman publicly criticised the Italian coach’s “deeply disrespectful” comments following a penalty miss in a Champions League match earlier this year, leading to speculation about his future at the club.

“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram.

“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.

“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first.

“This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”