‘Arsenal set to reignite Ademola Lookman pursuit following fresh Eze setback’
Arsenal are exploring alternatives in the transfer market as Crystal Palace continue to hold firm on their valuation of Eberechi Eze.
The Gunners have already signed six new players this summer, but manager Mikel Arteta still wants to add another creative forward to his squad.
Arteta’s squad have just finished a pre-season tour of Asia where they have beaten AC Milan and Newcastle United, and lost to North London rivals Tottenham.
Five of the six new signings have featured on tour, with Noni Madueke given an extended break after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Arsenal revisit Lookman interest
According to football.london [August 4] Atalanta have set a £43million price tag on winger Ademola Lookman after the 27-year-old revealed he wanted to leave the club.
That fee is lower than the £68m release clause Eze has in his contract, but that will expire on August 15th, not giving Arsenal long to make a move.
It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider in March that Arsenal were exploring a move for Lookman.
The Nigerian international has spent three seasons in Italy after previous spells in the Premier League at Everton, Fulham and Leicester.
Eze has one advantage over Lookman
Football Insider Verdict
With Lookman’s wantaway message clear to the Atalanta hierarchy, Arsenal could potentially seize the opportunity to sign a cheaper alternative to Eze.
Lookman has played in the number 10 position for Atalanta, and although he is more naturally a left winger he can also play on the right flank.
That versatility is key for Arteta to be able to cover multiple areas of the pitch and give rests to important players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Lookman’s career has been revitalised at Atalanta and he previously hasn’t been a success in the Premier League with three former clubs.
| Apperances | 96 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 7 |
Eze has been a success in the Premier League with Palace over the past five seasons, and was an influential player in their FA Cup success.
However, unless Palace budge on their current stance on Eze’s price tag then a deal looks unlikely to be agreed.
Arsenal’s lack of creativity though has shown against Spurs in pre-season and their inability to break through low blocks.