Arsenal prepare huge swap bid for Ademola Lookman after PSG transfer falls flat

Arsenal are reportedly ready to pounce on PSG’s hesitation and land Ademola Lookman in a huge £42.5m swap deal.

Lookman is in demand following his scintillating performance in the final of the Europa League, where he scored a stunning hat-trick to inflict German champions Bayer Leverkusen’s only competitive defeat of the season. The 26-year-old winger has been linked with PSG this summer while a switch to the Saudi Pro League has also been mooted.

Lookman played in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid last week but with speculation over his future mounting, he was missing from Atalanta’s squad for their season opener against Lecce on Monday. That was said to be because his agent had received an approach from PSG.

It has also been claimed that Lookman has been absent from training, suggesting his days in Italy are coming to an end. However, with a move to the French capital still to be inked and in danger of falling through, the Gunners are ready to sweep in and bring the former Charlton and Fulham ace back to London, according to reports in Italy.

Arsenal are said to be ready to offer €50m (around £42.5million), with defender Jakub Kiwior potentially heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal, reports Sportitalia. Alternatively, Lookman could head to the Emirates on loan with an option to buy.

Kiwior’s part in any deal could lower the fee. Whether it is to Atalanta or not, the Pole, who was not part of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the season-opening victory over Wolves, is expected to leave north London in the near future.

Lookman’s performance against Leverkusen in Dublin was the standout moment of a nomadic career which has also taken in spells at Everton, RB Leipzig and Leicester City. The Nigerian is happy to be finally be delivering on his undoubted potential after bagging 17 goals and registering 10 assists last term.

“The past few years I’ve been able to take my game to a new level on a more consistent basis. Maybe it would have come earlier,” he said after the Europa League final.

“But it’s come now and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made. This is just the beginning and I hope for more nights like this and to get better and better. That’s the key.”

Arsenal have been in the market for a forward all summer but are yet to land anyone despite strong links to Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.