Mikel Merino is closing in on becoming Mikel Arteta's second summer addition with talks with Real Sociedad thought to be progressing well. Going the other way, Aaron Ramsdale is attracting interest and Eddie Nketiah's move to Nottingham Forest is close.
With just over a weekend until the transfer window closes (August 30), Arsenal look to be applying pressure on strengthening their attacking options. Reports from Europe have claimed that the north Londoners are pursuing a move for Ademola Lookman.
It's reported that a bid worth €50million (£42.5m) plus bonuses have been offered to Atalanta, with the possibility of Jakub Kiwior being included being considered. Lookman missed training on Wednesday as part of his move to get a move out of Italy.
Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring his situation but interested clubs face paying around €65m to €70m (£55.3m to £59.5m). Lookman is a man in high-demand after his impressive 2023/24 season, which saw him score 17 goals and assisted 10 goals for the Serie A side, playing largely through the centre.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for the 26-year-old but his future currently remains unclear. Arsenal's interest comes after much has been on the Gunners' need for a new forward.
Arteta has been linked with wanting a new centre forward for some time but Kai Havertz has been the mainstay in that position. Lookman, who can play down the middle or out wide, could be the exact profile needed at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka has reached world-class status but Arsenal don't have significant depth behind the England international. On the other side, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are two good options, and with Reiss Nelson expected to leave the club, adding an option behind Saka would be smart.
A player of Lookman's quality won't be convinced to move back to England to be second-choice. However, his versatility makes him an option across the forward line and his signing could be the much-needed help that Saka needs. With Champions League football and an intense Premier League title race on the cards, Lookman may just be tempted.
Throughout certain periods over the past two seasons, Saka has been played too much and his performances levels have dipped. If the Gunners took the plunge on Lookman in the latter stages of the window, Arteta's attacking options would improve them. It's as simple as that.
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