The transfer rumor mill is in overdrive as Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian striker who has taken European football by storm, hints at his next destination following a potential departure from Atalanta. With Arsenal and Liverpool locked in a fierce battle to secure his signature, the 27-year-old’s latest comments have left fans buzzing with anticipation. According to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, both Premier League giants are eyeing a summer move for the Europa League hero—but Lookman himself has now given a cryptic clue about his future.
Lookman’s journey to stardom has been anything but straightforward. After stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City, he found his footing at Atalanta, joining the Serie A side in August 2022. Since then, he’s transformed into one of the continent’s most lethal forwards. His crowning moment came in the 2023/24 Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick—the first in the competition’s final since 1975—securing Atalanta’s maiden title. This season, Lookman has continued his scintillating form, racking up 17 goals and 7 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, earning him the prestigious 2024 African Player of the Year award.
Despite his heroics, Lookman’s future at Atalanta hangs in the balance. Tensions flared after a Champions League play-off loss to Club Brugge, with reports of a falling-out between the striker and manager Gian Piero Gasperini. This rift has opened the door for a blockbuster transfer, and Arsenal and Liverpool are wasting no time in circling their prey.
Arsenal, desperate for attacking reinforcements after a quiet January window, see Lookman as the missing piece in their quest for Premier League glory. Meanwhile, Liverpool view him as an ideal long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose contract remains unresolved. Sources suggest the Reds may have the edge, with talks reportedly at a more advanced stage. Valued at £46 million by Transfermarkt, Lookman’s price tag could climb higher as the summer window nears, with Atalanta likely to demand upwards of €60-65 million.
Amid the speculation, Lookman broke his silence in an interview with Sky Sports Switzerland, offering a tantalizing hint about his next move. “I’ve grown so much at Atalanta, but I’m ready for a new challenge,” he said. “When I leave, it’ll be for a club where I can feel at home again—a place with ambition and a big stage. England knows me, and I know it well.” While he stopped short of naming Arsenal or Liverpool explicitly, his reference to “England” and a “big stage” has fueled debate over which club he’s leaning toward.
For Arsenal, Lookman’s versatility and proven goal-scoring instincts could bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad, especially after their inability to land a striker in January. Liverpool, on the other hand, see a seamless fit—a dynamic forward to carry the torch if Salah departs Anfield. Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, weighed in: “Lookman’s a top player. For Arsenal, he’s a game-changer up front. For Liverpool, he’s the perfect Salah successor—pace, goals, and big-moment pedigree.”
Fans on social media are split. “Lookman to Arsenal makes sense—he’d thrive with Saka and Odegaard,” one supporter tweeted. Another countered, “No way, he’s Liverpool-bound. Slot’s system screams Lookman, especially if Mo goes.” The tug-of-war between the two clubs is heating up, and Lookman’s cryptic words have only added fuel to the fire.
As the summer transfer window looms, the question remains: will it be the red of Arsenal or the red of Liverpool? Lookman’s stellar rise—from Premier League journeyman to European champion—has made him one of the hottest properties in football. His next move could tip the balance in England’s top flight, and with his latest hint, the guessing game is well and truly on. Who do you think he’ll choose?
