Ademola Lookman: Ranking the SEVEN Premier League clubs that want Africa’s best player

Robin Bairner

24 Mar 2025 03:40 CDT
4 min read

Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman is one of the most wanted players in world football as the summer transfer window approaches.

Lookman, who is the reigning African Footballer of the Year, is wanted by no fewer than seven Premier League clubs, according to Caught Offside, which reports that Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all vying to sign the forward.

Article continues under the video

Current ETV

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

ETV Range

€43.7M - €53.5M

Interest also comes from elsewhere: Barcelona have sounded out the agents of the 27-year-old over the possibility of a move, while Atletico Madrid and Juventus could also target him.

But of these seven Premier League clubs interested in him, which is the most suitable?

Using SciSports’ Career Advice tool, which analyses the suitability of clubs based upon factors ranging from playing time and potential development to style and formation, FootballTransfers has provided a rundown of his options from the worst to the best based purely on how well he is likely to perform.

Ademola Lookman: Transfer options ranked

7. Tottenham Hotspur – Club Fit: 48

Spurs are simply a no-go destination for Lookman, with the North London club scoring one star across the board in the defining metrics.

Perhaps if there’s a change of management over the summer, with Ange Postecoglou departing then Tottenham becomes a more suitable option. As things are, though: Lookman should just forget about this move. Only Ipswich score worse in the Premier League.

6. Chelsea – Club Fit: 53

Chelsea, like their London rivals, should save their money when it comes to Lookman. He’s not a player who’s suitable for a move to Stamford Bridge at present.

Although the Blues are looking to upgrade on Nicolas Jackson, there are better options, with the African again getting one star across the board.

5. Newcastle United – Club Fit: 69

Eddie Howe’s playing style and formation are not ideal for Lookman, yet Newcastle are a viable destination for him due to the potential of him both getting first-team football on a regular basis and developing moderately.

Champions League football could be another big draw to the St James’ Park side, but this is yet to be secured.

STATS

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

31

Games
18

Goals
7

Assists

4. Manchester United – Club Fit: 70

While Man Utd may only rank fourth, they are arguably the most interesting option for the former Everton attacker.

Playing time is guaranteed at Old Trafford while Ruben Amorim is implementing a style that suited Lookman. While SciSports suggests that he will not get the development opportunities with Man Utd that he might get elsewhere, the Portuguese head coach is slowly turning things around and this situation could transform.

3. Liverpool – Club Fit: 70

Liverpool are one of two Premier League clubs that can help Lookman reach the best version of himself, with the Anfield club given five stars when it comes to development.

The Reds might only score two stars in regards to playing time, but with a big turnover of offensive staff on Merseyside this summer – Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could all leave – there could be more opportunities than this model suggests.

2. Arsenal – Club Fit: 72

Arsenal measure up very similarly to Liverpool when it comes to Lookman’s future, yet the Gunners are seen as a marginally better destination for the attacker.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in need of a versatile attacker, yet they are given only two stars for playing time. Unlike Liverpool, offensive departures are not expected to be widespread at the Emirates, with Arsenal seeking to add strength and depth to their side.

1. Aston Villa – Club Fit: 73

As things stand, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are best placed to get the most out of Lookman.

The Birmingham side offer four stars when it comes to development, three when it comes to playing time and five with regards to formation.

They are not the runaway best option for the striker due to their playing style, though, leaving question marks over which club the Nigeria star might choose when it comes to it.