Arsenal Reopen Talks for £40m Serie A Winger as Borussia Dortmund Star Remains Top Target

Arsenal have reportedly reopened negotiations to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer, as Mikel Arteta continues his search for attacking reinforcements.

According to multiple reports, the Gunners are exploring a move for the 27-year-old winger while also intensifying efforts to secure an alternative target from Borussia Dortmund — described as “the chosen one” by sources close to the club.

Lookman, who previously played for Everton and Fulham, had been on Arsenal’s radar during last summer’s transfer window.

Atalanta managed to retain the Nigeria international at that time, but with changes at the Italian club and Lookman now pushing for an exit, the Gunners have reignited their interest. He is reportedly valued at around £40 million.

The forward has fallen out with former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, particularly after Gasperini publicly criticised his penalty-taking abilities, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.” Although Gasperini has since departed for Roma and been replaced by Ivan Juric, Lookman’s desire to leave appears unchanged.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s initial top winger target, Nico Williams, looks set for a move to Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remains an ambitious long-term dream for the club.

With doubts over his future under new manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo remains a priority, but Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is actively working on more attainable signings in the meantime.

If talks with Lookman progress positively, he could offer Arsenal versatility, Premier League experience, and a proven goal-scoring threat from wide areas—qualities Arteta is keen to add ahead of the new campaign.