Shock report claims Liverpool and Arsenal plotting late summer bid for former Everton star

Liverpool and Arsenal are considering a shock bid to sign a former Everton star before the summer transfer window opens, according to a new report.

The Reds are yet to complete a permanent signing this summer, although are close to agreeing a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have brought in defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna after he impressed while playing for Italy at Euro 2024.

They appear to be close to securing a second deal, with Real Sociedad's president reportedly flying to London to negotiate an outgoing transfer for the former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino.

Now, according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, both clubs are targeting a move for the same player.

It is claimed that Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is on the radar of both sides following on from his heroics in last season's Europa League final.

The Nigeria international smashed in a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 - becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final since 1969.

The 26-year-old, who was born in Wandsworth, came through Charlton's youth academy and impressed enough to be signed by Everton in January 2017.

He scored on his debut in a 4-0 win over Manchester City, but would not score another Premier League goal during his time at the club.

After a successful loan spell with RB Leipzig in the 2017/18 campaign, Lookman joined them on a permanent basis in the summer of 2019, before loans at Fulham and Leicester.

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He joined Atalanta in 2022 and scored 24 goals in the last two Serie A seasons.

According to Pedulla, Arsenal have offered €50 million to sign Lookman, which is short of Atalanta's valuation of between €65 and €70 million.

Defender Jakub Kiwior could be included as part of a swap deal, while Liverpool are also credited with an interest in the winger.

The move would strengthen a key area of Mikel Arteta's side, with the Spaniard keen to acquire competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Lookman is a left winger, but is right-footed and therefore could play on either flank if required. However, a deal is yet to be struck with the reigning Europa League champions, with time ticking away in the summer transfer window.