Arsenal eye transfer HIJACK despite 'verbal agreement'

Cameron Smith

23 Aug 2024 22:30 BST
3 min read

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has reportedly reached a total verbal agreement to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

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The Nigeria international is seeking an Atalanta exit and PSG are pushing to complete a deal before the summer transfer window ends on 30 August.

Lookman has agreed personal terms with Luis Enrique’s side, while the Parisians are in direct contact with Atalanta, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

However, negotiations regarding a permanent move have reportedly stalled, and Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation in the event that the deal collapses.

The Gunners’ interest in Lookman has emerged strongly in recent days and Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has reported that Arsenal have even submitted a €50 million offer for the former Everton, Fulham and RB Leipzig winger.

However, Atalanta are currently asking for around €70m and Arsenal are now reportedly considering including Jakub Kiwior in a player-plus-cash swap deal.

The Poland international was excluded from Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and he could leave the club following the summer arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness.

Kiwior has multiple suitors in Serie A, including Atalanta, and he is reportedly open to returning to Italy this summer.

Ademola Lookman to Arsenal?

Lookman scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions for Atalanta last season, including a hat-trick during their Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract with the Bergamo outfit, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €19.1m.

If he ends up at Arsenal before August ends, Lookman would likely be in competition with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for a starting berth on the left flank.