Arsenal talks held as Ayto opens pre-summer negotiations for £54m forward

Arsenal have already held summer transfer talks over signing an in-form forward, as interim sporting director Jason Ayto gets to work on backing manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the next Premier League season.

Arsenal shortlist forward targets for Mikel Arteta

Long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have left Arteta bereft of natural striking options, with the Gunners electing not to sign an alternative to either one of the duo when the January window was open.

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The Spaniard’s call has prompted action.

Arsenal were given the chance to negotiate a January deal for Ollie Watkins, but the north Londoners’ initial low-ball offer of £40 million wasn’t enough for Unai Emery’s side, who would’ve been prepared to talk at around £60 million (David Ornstein).

Despite being linked with a host of other high-profile No 9s in the winter, including the likes of RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović, Arsenal didn’t end up pursuing an alternative to Watkins – meaning Arteta is forced to wait until the summer for extra firepower.

Arsenal are still targeting a new striker for the next window, while it is also believed that they could bring in different wide options.

Recent injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have highlighted that Arteta is short of quality alternatives to the duo, even with the emergence of highly-rated young teenage starlet Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal are believed to be admirers of Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, who can play as a second-striker, at centre-forward and even attacking midfield when required, so the Nigeria international could tick multiple boxes for Arteta.

Lookman is said to be seriously considering an exit from Atalanta in the summer, with Arteta’s side keen and potentially eager to explore this opportunity to bring in a winger boasting 15 goals and seven assists so far in all competitions.

Arsenal open talks to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta

Now, as per CaughtOffside, their interest is materialising into discussions.

It is claimed that Arsenal have already held talks over signing Lookman ahead of the summer window, as have Liverpool, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus all fellow contenders for the 27-year-old’s signature.

However, it is Arsenal and Liverpool who are the most advanced after opening negotiations, with the ex-Fulham ace attracting plenty of attention amid his phenomenal 2024/25 campaign and his heroics in the Europa League last season.

Lookman’s final hat-trick won Gian Piero Gasperini’s side the tournament, while simultaneously ending Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run, leaving little wonder the player is being linked with a move to the Premier League.

However, Atalanta also won’t be letting him go on the cheap, and the Serie A side are ready to demand as much as €65m (£54m) to sell.

“He’s [Lookman] a top player,” said Gasperini.

“In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal.

“Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways, he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”