Transfer News: Arsenal set to rival Tottenham in pursuit of Everton youngster Ademola Lookman

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for Everton youngster Ademola Lookman and will battle local rivals Tottenham for the starlet.

According To The Sun, Arsenal are the newest entrant in the strange rumours surrounding Everton youngster Ademola Lookman. The starlet has been linked to Tottenham recently and it seems like there will be a North London battle in the pursuit of the England under-21 international.

Ademola Lookman arrived in the Premier League amidst much hype, with the player becoming the most expensive transfer from a League One club to the English top-tier. And he did show sparks of his explosive talent at Goodison Park in his debut season itself, with a goal on his league debut against Manchester City.

But, the present season has seen his growth come to a halt of sorts, with Everton recruiting heavily in the summer transfer window, which seems to have pushed the youngster a bit behind the arrivals and other players in Ronald Koeman’s plans.

It is interesting to note that there was much interest in Lookman before his move to Everton. The Toffees had beaten off the likes of Arsenal and others who were equally interested in the player. Infact, many had tipped the player to join one of the North London outfits – the reason being that he was already playing in London itself.

Arsenal missed out on the promising left-winger then, but could now go back in for Lookman. Alexis Sanchez is not any closer to signing an extension at Emirates while Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott are also linked with moves away from the club.

Amidst all this, a move for Lookman could make sense. First of all, according to the report, Arsene Wenger is convinced that the youngster could be interested by the prospect of returning to London. Also, this would very much add to the English quota at the club that has seen itself erode in the summer transfer window.

But, they do face competition in the form of Tottenham, who are also looking for reinforcement on the left side of their attack from the summer itself. Moussa Sissoko has failed to met expectations at Tottenham, whose recent exemplary record of bringing through young English talents could tip the balance in their favour.

The report also states that Lookman is just seeking a more integral part in the first-team setup and would be happy to stay at Everton if he is given a more regular role by Ronald Koeman, who has come under pressure due to the club’s poor start to their season.

However, the report also iterates that while Everton are not looking to negotiate a transfer for the player, a bid of around £15 million could test their resolve – an amount Arsenal could be willing and ready to pay in order to secure their left flank for the next decade at least.