As Liverpool prepare for what could be a transformative summer in the transfer market, sources indicate that the club is considering Ademola Lookman as a key target to replace Mohamed Salah.
With the Egypt international’s future at Anfield uncertain, Liverpool are reportedly placing Atalanta’s Nigerian forward at the top of their shopping list. According to TMW, Liverpool are making serious preparations in case Salah departs at the end of the season. The report highlights that there is an understanding within the club that this could very well be Salah’s last season at Anfield, especially with his contract winding down and no new deal in place. While Liverpool would prefer to retain the services of their star forward, there are growing concerns that Salah may seek a new challenge, possibly elsewhere in Europe or in the Saudi Pro League.
If Salah does leave, Liverpool will need to act quickly to fill the gap left by one of the Premier League’s most influential attackers. One option that has emerged is Lookman, who has impressed during his time at Atalanta.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has netted 50 goals and provided 22 assists in 110 appearances, showcasing his knack for being involved in both scoring and creating opportunities. His contributions were pivotal in helping Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy, with Lookman scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024. His consistent excellence earned him the title of Atalanta Player of the Season in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns. Furthermore, his impressive form has caught the eye of TMW, who note that the forward has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, reflecting his stature in European football. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has also hailed Lookman as “a top player,” acknowledging his growth into one of the best in Europe.
However, Liverpool’s pursuit of Lookman will not be without competition. TMW reports that several other top clubs, including PSG, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, are also keen on signing the forward. Juventus have also made contact with Atalanta regarding Lookman’s availability, though they will only be able to proceed if they secure Champions League qualification. For Liverpool, the opportunity to sign a player of Lookman’s caliber could be a key step in moving forward after the potential departure of Salah. However, with multiple clubs circling, the Reds may have to act swiftly and decisively if they wish to bring Lookman to Merseyside.
For Liverpool fans, the potential departure of Salah is a difficult prospect. The Egyptian King has been integral to Liverpool’s success in recent years, and losing him would undoubtedly leave a significant void. However, if Lookman is indeed the man to fill that void, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. His performances at Atalanta have been outstanding, and his adaptability in both wide and central attacking roles could offer Liverpool the kind of flexibility they need.
Competition from other Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United, alongside PSG, means that securing Lookman will not be straightforward. Liverpool must act quickly and ensure they present an attractive proposition for both the player and Atalanta. The potential signing of Lookman could signal a shift towards more dynamic and youthful attackers for Liverpool, which could complement Arne Slot’s evolving tactical approach. While Lookman’s arrival may not be able to fully replicate Salah’s brilliance, his potential to grow into a top-tier forward under Liverpool’s guidance is exciting. If Liverpool are indeed serious about this move, they should not waste time in finalising a deal that could define their next chapter in the post-Salah era.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is also plotting a potential move to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown revealed that Arsenal scouts have been in Italy to keep tabs on Lookman’s progress. However, Lookman is not believed to be among their top targets as they prioritize other signings when the transfer window opens. Arsenal aims to bolster their wing positions after injuries to key players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Interestingly, Arsenal is also tracking Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.
Interest in Lookman comes after a public falling-out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, following his comments about Lookman’s missed penalty against Club Brugge. Newcastle scouts are also reported to be watching the forward, further intensifying the competition for his signature.
Lookman’s journey has been remarkable, as he was named the African Footballer of the Year in 2024 after his Europa League final hat-trick showcased how much his game has developed since his departure from England. Football Insider noted that Mick Brown, while acknowledging Lookman’s improvement, expressed skepticism regarding his consistency, citing concerns from his previous stints at Everton and Fulham.
As Arsenal continues to assess their options, the possibility of Lookman returning to the Premier League remains a subject of interest. Brown stated, “He’s going to be available at the end of the season, so a few clubs have been looking at him. I think a return to the Premier League is definitely going to be an option for him, but whether that’s with Arsenal I’m not so convinced.”
In the meantime, Arsenal is making headlines for their pursuit of another key player: Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan. With a £71 million release clause in his contract, the Gunners are keen to secure Thuram’s services, as both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out for the season, raising doubts about their future in the squad.
