Recent updates claim that Galatasaray are still monitoring the situation surrounding Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and the Turkish side could potentially follow a similar tactic they deployed to bring in Victor Osimhen from Napoli last summer.
Lookman is still an Atalanta player on the final day of the summer transfer window. That is, even though he handed in a formal transfer request earlier this summer after a move to Inter fell through spectacularly.
The Nerazzurri saw a €45m bid for the Nigeria international turned down earlier this window, which led to the player releasing a statement on his social media profiles, confirming that he had handed in a transfer request while accusing his employers of poor treatment and broken promises.
Lookman also claimed that he had an agreement with the club to let him leave if an appropriate offer came in this summer. Dea CEO Luca Percassi confirmed that this was true, but only for top clubs outside Serie A, which hindered a move to San Siro.
The player then decided to abandon Atalanta training, instead returning to the UK to work separately while waiting for updates on a potential move away from the Gewiss Stadium. He has since returned to Atlanta, but has still been working individually.
Now, with just a few hours of the transfer window remaining for the majority of Europe’s football leagues, Lookman has not found a new club.
According to reports from Rudi Galetti, Galatasaray remains interested in a potential deal for the 27-year-old.
Galatasaray are not restricted by the Serie A transfer deadline, which falls at 19.00 BST on Monday evening, as the window in Turkey will remain open until Sunday, September 12.
While Serie A clubs will not be able to sign players (apart from free agents) after Monday evening, they will still be able to sell to divisions whose windows remain open.
Coincidentally, Galatasaray deployed a similar tactic to sign fellow Nigerian international Victor Osimhen from Napoli this time last year.
Elsewhere, Wolves have completed the signing on deadline day for striker Tolu Arokodare for £24m.
The 24-year-old arrives from Belgian side Genk, putting pen to paper for a four-year contract with an option to extend by another 12 months.
Tolu flew to England on Sunday morning after agreeing on personal terms and completing his medical.
Standing at 6 feet 6’, Arokodare has one goal in five games so far with 41 goals and 12 assists in 113 appearances for Genk, also winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot in 2024/25 with 21 goals in the league and 23 in all competitions.
Speaking on singing for Wolves, Tolu Arokodare said, “It feels amazing.”
“It did take a while, but I’m here finally, and I’m happy to be here. I didn’t need convincing. I know the history of the club and the players that have been here and how they’ve progressed to become better players. I like the project of the club, and that’s what I want for myself. I want to improve and I want to progress, and help this team.
“I think I’ll fit in pretty good. If you, for example, look at the strikers that we have now, we’re almost the same profile, so it won’t be difficult for me to adapt. You could see how good [Jørgen Strand] Larsen did last season, and I’m just here to help the team.”
He helped Nigeria qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and has four caps for his country, scoring his first international goal against Russia in June.
“I know the history of the club,” Tolu Arokodare said.
“The players that have been here and how they’ve progressed to become better players. I like the project of the club, and that’s what I want for myself. I want to improve and I want to progress, and help this team.
“I think I’ll fit in pretty good. The Premier League is a league full of physicality, high intensity, a lot of runs, and I think I’m that kind of player.
“I think I’m strong, I’m fast. Obviously, the first few games and weeks won’t be the easiest, but it’s a challenge that I think I’m ready for, and I think I’ll fit in pretty good.
“It was time already. I had my mind set here, this is where I wanted to be, because I played in Germany, France, Belgium, and I think it was just here missing, and finally I’m happy to be here.”
And Crystal Palace have completed the signing of exciting Nigerian attacker Christantus Uche from Getafe.
Uche has agreed a one-year loan deal in South London and will wear No. 12 for the Eagles.
The 22-year-old has represented his country at the senior international level and excelled throughout his sole season at the La Liga side.
First brought to Europe by Spanish fifth division side Moralo CP in 2022, Uche’s natural talent and potential saw him move on to third-tier AD Ceuta FC.
Signing for Getafe ahead of 2024/25, Uche made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring on four occasions and contributing seven assists.
Chairman Steve Parish said: “I’m delighted to welcome Christantus to the club – an exciting young talent, who is also a full international.
“Christantus has already shown his capability during his time in Spain, and everyone at the club is looking forward to seeing him thrive in South London.”
Uche said, “This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today, and this club is a big opportunity for me.”
