Arsenal told to pay €50 million to sign Liverpool target - Reports
Arsenal will have to pay €50m to secure the services of Liverpool target Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Nigerian forward has been in fantastic form for the Serie A side this term, but will be allowed to take a step up in his career in the summer of 2025.
Lookman caught the imagination of fans after a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with the Serie A side. The 27-year-old scored a stunning hat-trick to down Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Lookman ended the season with 17 goals and 10 assists from 45 games across competitions. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were reportedly interested in the player over the summer but could not get a deal over the line.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are plotting a 2025 move for the player. Atalanta won't let him go in January, but are more accommodating of a summer exit, provided their asking price is met.
The Gunners are looking for an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard and have identified Lookman as an option. However, the north London side could face competition from Liverpool, who are long-term admirers of the Nigerian.
The Reds are ushering in a new era under Arne Slot and are keen to improve their attack. Lookman could be a candidate for the job, so the Merseyside club could give Arsenal a stiff fight in the race for his services in 2025.
Liverpool are also preparing for life without Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires next summer. The Reds will want to ensure that the Egyptian's potential departure doesn't cause a goal drought at Anfield.
How many goals have Liverpool and Arsenal scored in the Premier League this season?
Ademola Lookman could be a hit at Liverpool as well as Arsenal. The Nigerian forward has registered eight goals and five assists from 14 games across competitions this season.
Meanwhile, the English duo have also been among the goals this season. The Reds have registered 21 goals in 11 games in the Premier League, and have conceded just six.
The Merseyside club are leading the title race at the moment, five points clear of second-placed Manchester City. Meanwhile, Arsenal are fourth in the league table, and have scored 18 times so far. Mikel Arteta's team, however, have won just five games in the league and are already nine points behind Liverpool.