Soccer News of Thursday, 26 December 2024

Source: www.legit.ng

Arsenal eyes move for Ademola as replacement after Saka’s injury setback

A photo collage of Bukayo Saka and Ademola Lookman A photo collage of Bukayo Saka and Ademola Lookman

It has been a period of relentless tinkering and tough decisions for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy, particularly following Bukayo Saka's unfortunate injury setback.

The England forward, who has emerged as one of the club's most prolific attackers in recent years, was forced off in the first half of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

Saka appeared to suffer a hamstring tear while attempting to deliver a cross against Oliver Glasner's side.

In the aftermath, Arteta confirmed that the winger faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

With Arsenal already fielding one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League, expectations are high for the Gunners to secure a suitable replacement in the upcoming winter transfer window.

A recent report suggests that Arsenal are exploring a move for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

According to a recently surfacing report from Arsenal Core, the Gunners are looking at options to try and sign Lookman from Atalanta in the January transfer window.

Lookman, who was recently named CAF Men's Player of the Year, is expected to command a transfer fee in the region of €80 million.

The 27-year-old has been on an impeccable run of form for Atalanta this season, racking up 12 goals and five assists in 20 appearances so far according to data courtesy of FotMob.

However, while a transfer for Lookman would appear to be the ideal fit to bolster the already thin Arsenal attack, it has to be stated that getting a deal done over the winter window would prove a mammoth feat, as Atalanta have already rejected several inquiries from a few other Premier League clubs.

Lookman, for his part, appears very much at home at the Bergamo club and currently has his sights set on leading them to their first-ever Italian Serie A title.

Swirling reports, however, suggest that if Arsenal fail to land Lookman this winter, the Premier League outfit could consider a deal for AC Milan star Samuel Chukwueze.