Liverpool and Arsenal are considering a shock bid to sign a former Everton star before the summer transfer window opens, according to a new report.
The Reds have yet to make a permanent signing this summer but are close to finalizing a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have signed defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna after his standout performance for Italy at Euro 2024. They are also nearing a second deal, with Real Sociedad’s president reportedly traveling to London to negotiate the transfer of former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino.
According to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, both clubs are now interested in the same player. Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is being pursued by both teams following his impressive performance in last season’s Europa League final. The Nigeria international scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, making him the first player to achieve a hat-trick in a one-legged European final since 1969.
Lookman, who was born in Wandsworth, began his career at Charlton’s youth academy and caught Everton’s eye, leading to his signing in January 2017. He scored on his debut against Manchester City but did not score another Premier League goal during his time at Everton. After a successful loan at RB Leipzig in the 2017/18 season, Lookman joined the club permanently in the summer of 2019, followed by loan spells at Fulham and Leicester.
Lookman joined Atalanta in 2022 and has netted 24 goals across the last two Serie A seasons. According to Pedulla, Arsenal have proposed €50 million for Lookman, but this falls short of Atalanta’s asking price of €65 to €70 million.
Arsenal might include defender Jakub Kiwior in a swap deal, and Liverpool has also shown interest in the winger. Acquiring Lookman would address a key area for Mikel Arteta’s squad, as Arteta seeks to bolster competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Although Lookman is a left winger, he is right-footed and could play on either flank if needed. However, no agreement has been reached with the Europa League champions yet, and the summer transfer window is closing.