Ademola Lookman: Arsenal's bitter rivals ready to sign CAF Player of the Year

Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a transfer battle with rivals Arsenal to sign Atalanta’s star winger Ademola Lookman, according to reports.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international, who scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen, is valued at around £43m, with his contract running until next summer, although Atalanta have the option of an extra year.

Spurs have been active in the transfer market, splashing £115m in just 24 hours to secure Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White. Kudus’ deal is official, while Gibbs-White is set to complete his medical soon, though Nottingham Forest are pursuing legal action over the transfer’s handling.

New manager Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his squad for their UEFA Champions League and Premier League campaigns.

Despite signing Kudus, Spurs are keen to add depth to their wing positions and see Lookman as a prime target.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Lookman, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, cementing himself as one of Europe's most dangerous attackers.

Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also in the race but are unlikely to meet Atalanta's asking price. It remains to be seen how much substance there is to the reports, but there is no doubt that Lookman instantly improves any team and will be an excellent addition.