According to the journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Arsenal are willing to include Jakub Kiwior as a counterweight to signing Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have made two signings in the current transfer window, David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, but are optimistic about the possibility of completing the signing of Mikel Merino this week. The Real Sociedad president has personally travelled to London to speed up negotiations and close a deal I might remember In the near future.
While this is happening, Pedula has claimed that Arsenal are interested in signing Lookman, who scored a brilliant hat-trick in the Europa League Last season, Atalanta were willing to pay between £55m and £59.5m for the talented winger, but Arsenal are willing to pay £42.5m plus bonuses if Kiwior goes the other way.
Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of Lookman, who failed to turn up for training yesterday. Premier League rivals Liverpool They are also in the background and could do their own approach.
Surprise move
The 26-year-old has been impressive since joining Atalanta from Leipzig in the summer of 2022. He scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in the 2022/23 campaign. He fared much better last season with 27 goal contributions (17 goals and 10 assists). The Nigerian star scored a memorable hat-trick to overcome Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Lookman barely impressed during his time in EvertonFulham and Leicester City in the Premier League, but the Gunners could offer him a chance to redeem himself. The club are planning a surprise move before the transfer deadline and Atalanta could consider the proposal, particularly with the option to sign Kiwior as part of the deal.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side suffered a major setback earlier this summer when Giorgio Scalvini suffered a serious knee injury. The Serie A giants could want a replacement in the squad and Kiwior would be a quality signing for them. The Polish ace was a revelation at Spezia but hasn't exactly replicated the same form since his move to the Gunners.
Lookman may not be a favourite with Arsenal fans, but he would be a good signing given his ability to play on the wing or up front. Arsenal will have to be wary of Liverpool, who have not spent a single penny in the transfer market so far. They could be serious contenders to land the Charlton newcomer to bolster their attack.
