Arsenal are interested in signing Atalanta attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman, according to reports in Italy.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year is said to be on the Gunners’ radar as they look to strengthen their options in the final third.

Website TuttoAtalanta.com claims that Lookman has been identified as the main alternative if Mikel Arteta’s side fail to secure the services of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

They go as far as to suggest that the Nigerian international is “waiting for a nod” to seal his switch to the Emirates.

Atalanta are willing to sell Lookman

The relationship between the forward and his manager Gian Piero Gasperini soured after the Italian disparaged the player’s penalty-taking abilities when he missed a crucial spotkick as Le Dea crashed out to Club Brugge in the Champions League back in February.

It is thought that relations between the pair have thawed since then but there is still a feeling that Lookman will be sold if a club meets their valuation this summer.

Tutto Atalanta claim the asking price in question is €45m (£38m), which seems like a reasonable figure for someone who scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in 39 appearances this season.

What is the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Rodrygo

A lot hinges on what new Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso tells the Brazilian international about his future at the Bernabeu.

Alonso is known for playing with a front two, meaning there could be limited opportunities for Rodrygo to play next campaign, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr likely to be favoured.

If Rodrygo doesn’t receive the reassurances he is hoping for about game time, he could decide to leave, with the Gunners expected to be among the frontrunners for his signature.

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