It could be bad news for those not too pleased to watch EPL clubs raid Serie A as Atalanta star Ademola Lookman may be about to make a return to the English top flight.
Arsenal, along with a trio of Premier League rivals, have shown significant interest in the Nigeria international.
The 26-year-old winger has emerged as one of the standout players in Serie A this season, sparking speculation about a potential move back to England.
Lookmanโs performances this season, and also in last termโs Europa League-winning campaign, have been nothing short of exceptional.
With 10 goals and 5 assists from just 16 games across the Italian top flight and Champions League this season, itโs no surprise that he is attracting attention from Premier League clubs.
However, recruitment staff face the challenge of evaluating whether his success overseas can translate back to England. Despite being under contract with Atalantaย until 2026 and valued at approximately ยฃ25 million, Lookman is reportedly open to a move.
Among those keeping tabs on Lookman are Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. These clubs have had scouts watch him recently as they consider making moves for him potentially in January or at the end of the season.
Lookmanโs current form marks an uplift from his earlier stints in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, where he showed glimpses of potential but never reached the consistently high levels that he is achieving now in Italy.
Under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, Lookman has thrived within a very specific system that encourages strong wing-back play and utilises Mateo Retegui as a central target man.
His attacking role fully utilises his strengths โ direct running, sharp movement and an eye for goal โ raising questions for recruiters who need to determine if these skills can be replicated elsewhere and within their systems.
Lookmanโs time in Italy has undoubtedly elevated his game, but it also poses a unique challenge. Atalantaโs tactical set-up emphasises fluid attacking transitions, allowing Lookman to operate in spaces where he thrives. This is not always the case for all the other clubs who are interested.
Atalanta will unlikely let Lookman leave during the January transfer window given his importance to their ongoing campaign. However, a summer transfer appears more realistic. By then, Premier League clubs will have had more time to assess his performances and determine whether investing in him would be worth it.
Ademola Lookmanโs future remains an intriguing prospect for Arsenal and other Premier League rivals as they weigh up the potential benefits and challenges of bringing this Serie A star back home.
