Ademola Lookman Transfer News: Why Arsenal should battle Liverpool for Europa League hero

 

Bayer Leverkusen lost just one match last season. As the German side made history to secure a domestic double under Xabi Alonso, their sole defeat came on the continent as they crashed to a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in Dublin in the Europa League final. The hero for the Italian side that day? Ademola Lookman. 

 

The 26-year-old returned a perfect WhoScored 10 rating in the European showdown as he bagged a hat-trick at the Aviva Stadium. Lookman's showing really shot the forward back into the spotlight. Having bounced around the Premier League, showing up at the likes of Everton, Fulham and Leicester, with a stint at RB Leipzig thrown in for good measure, the Nigeria international was given the chance to shine at Serie A side Atalanta. 

 

 

Away from the Premier League, Lookman was able to rebuild his reputation and he's since emerged as a rumoured target for high-profile Premier League sides ahead of next week's transfer deadline. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Lookman and while the former are supposedly not in the market for the attacker, there is good reason why they should rival the latter for the Nigerian. 

 

With both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson expected to depart for pastures new in the coming days, and Emile Smith Rowe already out the door, Arsenal are still in the market for another versatile forward to provide relevant cover across the frontline. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have the starting spots sewn up, with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard handy options in reserve. However, for a Gunners side that is looking to challenge on multiple fronts, and crucially pip Manchester City to the title, they need to be wary about being caught short in the final third. 

 

Lookman, then, ticks the right boxes for Arsenal and head coach Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard known to favour players who can operate in multiple roles. While many will argue his best position is out wide, Lookman's ability to thrive through the middle would suit the Gunners. 24 goals and 13 assists across his last two Serie A seasons is not to be scoffed at, this coming despite making just 42 league starts for Atalanta. 

 

 

Given the style of play combined with the ability to operate across the frontline, the addition of Lookman would grant Arteta the necessary tactical flexibility to tinker with his attack without a drop in performance levels. Indeed, Lookman's a player who can drive past a marker with ease before creating for teammates, evident in that he returned 1.8 successful dribbles and 2.4 key passes per 90 for Atalanta in Serie A last season. 

 

Reports do suggest that Arsenal are not pursuing a move for Lookman, there are a number of reasons why they should look into the possibility of striking a deal for the former RB Leipzig man before next week's transfer deadline. The Gunners are looking to finalise a deal for Mikel Merino as a priority but with the need to land another attacker, Atalanta should be wary of late interest in one of their prized stars.

Ademola Lookman Transfer News: Why Arsenal should battle Liverpool for Europa League hero