Panic buy? Arsenal could chase Serie A winger after toothless United display

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal may turn to long-term target Ademola Lookman if Leandro Trossard is sold before the end of the summer transfer window.

After a toothless attacking display at Old Trafford at the weekend, Arsenal may be regretting their reluctance to chase harder for Rodrygo or Eberechi Eze this summer.

Gabriel Martinelli has looked a shadow of his former self in pre-season with Noni Madueke brought in as potential cover. But playing Madueke on the left is surely a stop-gap until a better option can be found?

With speculation in relation to Leandro Trossard's departure increasing, Arsenal could well be in the market for another left-sided forward option. Romano believes that Atalanta's Ademola Lookman is that player.

Lookman has dominated the Italian football press

Lookman has dominated the Italian football press for the last couple of weeks. Lookman handed in a transfer request, as reported by Romano on X (below), in which he outlines his reasons for wanting to leave Atalanta.

Lookman explained in a message to Atalanta fans that a fair offer had been made for him and that, “many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.

Lookman could be an option for Arsenal

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano speculated: “Let’s see what’s going to happen, guys, because Lookman could be an option for English clubs. At the moment, still nothing advanced, but for example, the agents of Lookman always gave priority to Inter, but now with Inter no longer being in the race, Premier League clubs could be attentive. 

“So, for example, let’s see what happens at Arsenal. Arsenal are very happy with the squad they have right now up front. In terms of age, probably Lookman is not exactly the profile of player that Arsenal usually sign.“

Atalanta are expected to sell the player but only for a fee in excess of €50m, and preferably to a team from abroad. That rules out the Inter offer completely and opens up an option for Lookman to join a Premier League team.

The African Footballer of the Year has hit the heights in Europe

Lookman's form dipped in 2024/25 after a brilliant run of form in 2024. His three goals in the 3-0 Europa League Final win over Beyer Leverkusen in May 2024, capped off a 27 goal contributions season perfectly.

Now, the African Footballer of the Year is unhappy and ready for a new challenge.

Although he has reportedly turned down Arsenal in the past, Arteta could welcome a move for the Nigeria international.

Martinelli's poor form could force Andrea Berta's hand into making some kind of panic buy in the remaining weeks of the summer. As far as panic buys go, Lookman is not a bad option. He, like Madueke, can play on either flank and in the second striker role.

Today Lookman has arrived back at Atalanta with his future looking uncertain, as per The Echo of Bergamo.