Arsenal snubbed in opportunistic £45m move for Ademola Lookman as Atalanta wantaway sets sights on Inter transfer

The Nigeria international is looking for a way out of Bergamo in the summer transfer window. The former Charlton, Everton, Fulham and Leicester star posted a career-best return of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

The 27-year-old is now a man in demand, with Serie A giants Inter eager to keep him in Italian football. Lookman is said to have his heart set on completing a switch to San Siro, with the decision taken to skip pre-season training at Atalanta.

Inter are, however, yet to match a supposed €50m (£43m/$58m) asking price, with an opening offer from the Milan-based giants being knocked back. That has left the door open for rival suitors to join the chase.

Interest from the Premier League is said to have been shown in Wandsworth-born Lookman, with Arsenal testing the waters. According to Sportal a big-money approach from the Gunners has been rebuffed by Lookman, who has no desire to return to the country of his birth.

Arsenal were willing to pay more than Atalanta are demanding, but Lookman wants to stay in Italy and is waiting on Inter to increase their bid. A deal could be completed quickly if that happens, with personal terms reported to have already been agreed.