Arsenal open talks with Atalanta as they look to sign Lookman before the start of next season

ENGLISH Premier League giants Arsenal have opened talks with Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman with a view to signing him from Italian side Atalanta during the current transfer window.

Lookman, 27, the current African Footballer of the Year, is one of the hottest properties in the European game and has been in great form since he joined Atalanta three years ago. Among the clubs that have been looking at signing him include Liverpool and Manchester united and it now appears that Arsenal has entered the fray too.

Quick, nifty and devastating in front of goal, Lookman has been the main man in Atalanta's attack, contributing 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances across all competitions. He is also the only player who has scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League, which helped Atalanta win their first-ever European trophy two seasons ago.

Nonetheless, he wants to leave Atalanta this summer, with the club looking to cash in on him, as he has one year left on his contract. Aside from Arsenal, Lookman is currently being monitored by many clubs by Juventus, Napoli, Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.

However, it is expected that he would prefer a return to England where he started his career and has close friend and family. Lookman is valued at €60m, which is a fee that Arsenal should be comfortable with and should the club agree terms with the player, they will look to wrap up the deal as soon as possible.