‘Arsenal scouts spotted in Italy’ as blockbuster signing plan accelerates
Arsenal are plotting a potential move to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as scouts have been in Italy to keep tabs on his progress.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is on Mikel Arteta’s list of targets this summer.
However, the Nigeria international is not believed to be among their top targets as they will prioritise deals for alternative targets when the window opens.
Arsenal are keen to sign a new winger this summer after injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka derailed their title push, and are also tracking Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.
Interest in Lookman comes after he had a public falling-out with manager Gian Piero Gasparini after the boss’ comments following his missed penalty against Club Brugge.
Arsenal are not the only Premier League side who have been watching the forward this season, as Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle scouts have been watching Lookman.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Ademola Lookman as new verdict shared
Lookman was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024 after his Europa League final hattrick showed how much his game has developed since his move away from England.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that a return to the Premier League could be on the cards, but Arsenal are not currently pushing to sign him.
“I don’t think Lookman is one of the names high on Arsenal’s list,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I hear, they’re considering a few options, so I expect they’ll go elsewhere.
“Honestly, I was never convinced about him while he was at Everton or Fulham, but he’s certainly improved since he went out to Italy.
“He’s always been highly rated, and there’s no doubt there’s a lot of ability there, but his consistency was always a concern for me.
“But Arsenal have had scouts in Italy to have a look at him, and they’re the ones who are going to have to answer the questions I’ve just put forward.
“They’ll know how much he has improved and if he’s the type of player they want.
“He’s going to be available at the end of the season, so a few clubs have been looking at him.
“I think a return to the Premier League is definitely going to be an option for him, but whether that’s with Arsenal I’m not so convinced.”
Liverpool leapfrogged in £71m Marcus Thuram pursuit
On top of their efforts to strengthen the depth out wide in Arteta’s squad this summer, Arsenal are also plotting a move to sign a new striker.
Both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffered long-term injuries which have ruled them out for the season, but doubts already existed about their places in the squad.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 16 March that Arsenal want to sign Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan, and are leading Liverpool in the race for his signature.
The 27-year-old has a £71million release clause in his contract, inspiring interest in a potential deal, but Inter are attempting to commit him to new terms.
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