The bold £60m forward signing that could round off Arsenal's transfer window in spectacular style

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The countdown to the end of the summer transfer window is well and truly within touching distance now.

“There is time, there are options. And when the market is ready in this league, we’ll be ready.” Those were the words of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta when asked if he was looking to make one last move before the transfer window shuts.

Arteta watched as Arsenal made light work of Wolves on the opening day of the Premier League season. The Gunners boss saw poster boy Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz fire his side to victory, but he still knows that to get his team ready for the "monster" that is Manchester City, they might need another forward on the books. Today, Atalanta’s Europa League hero Ademola Lookman has been linked with a move.

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There are a number of reasons why Lookman suddenly looks so attractive to several Premier League teams, one of them being his familiarity with the league. He came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, broke through at Everton, and then went abroad before returning to play for Fulham and Leicester.

He knows the Premier League like the back of his hand and is a player who could readily score goals in this Arsenal team. Despite his experience, Lookman is still only 26, and to add to his appeal, he has proven himself on the big stage. He scored a hat-trick as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League last season, making history as the first player to score in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati in 1969.

This has been another summer of strengthening for the Gunners. They have added to their squad, particularly with the signing of Italy’s modern-day full-back Riccardo Calafiori, who is expected to play at left-back with the freedom to move into midfield. They also have Jurrien Timber, who missed much of last season due to a knee injury suffered in pre-season. There is plenty to be cheerful about, but you can't help but feel that the reported £60 million signing of Lookman would be the icing on the cake, turning this team into an absolute force to be reckoned with.

There is also one aspect of Lookman’s game that is incredibly interesting: his willpower. When he was coming through the youth ranks, most people expected him to break into the England squad. Once it became clear that this wasn’t going to happen, he quickly opted to play for Nigeria, and earlier this year, he reached the final of the AFCON.

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Arsenal's manager has always emphasised the need for good players, but he’s also said that he wants good humans—those who are ultimate team players, who can come in and instantly look beyond what they can take and focus on what they can give. The signing of a player like Lookman would close the gap on Manchester City and give Mikel the tactical flexibility he needs.

Additionally, Lookman’s speed and ability to play both centrally and out wide means that Bukayo Saka, who has barely had a break in three seasons, can finally be afforded some rest. This is a no-brainer and would instantly improve the Gunners.

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