Southampton has confirmed that Ghanaian international Kamaldeen Sulemana has transferred to Serie A club Atalanta. He will now be playing alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward and current African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman. “Southampton Football Club can announce that Kamaldeen Sulemana has finalized his move to Atalanta,” stated the club on their website on Wednesday. The 23-year-old forward joins the Serie A team following a two-and-a-half-year stint at St Mary’s, where he played 74 matches and netted four goals. “We appreciate Kamaldeen’s contributions as a Saints player and wish him the best in his future endeavors.” Sulemana was signed in 2023 for a club-record amount of £22 million and has made 74 appearances since then. Additionally, Atalanta is requesting a significant transfer fee for Lookman. The 23-year-old rejoined former Southampton manager Ivan Juric at the Serie A club. He transferred to St Mary’s from Rennes in France on the deadline day in February 2023 and played for two and a half years on the south coast, where the team was relegated along with Leicester City and Ipswich to the Championship. The Saints have already sold striker Paul Onuachu, who they acquired during the same transfer window as Sulemana under the management of Nathan Jones. Lookman is rumored to be linked with Arsenal. Atalanta may not see Lookman and Sulemana on the field together, as Lookman is rumored to be returning to the Premier League. Reports (via TEAMtalk) indicate that Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta is negotiating to bring Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, while Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is gathering insights on Tottenham Hotspur’s position regarding Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Lookman recently showcased his African Player of the Year award to the Atalanta supporters. Although Arsenal has yet to officially sign any players during the summer transfer window, the north London team has a strong possibility of acquiring up to four new signings soon. On Tuesday, they secured goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, and they are finalizing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. A £10 million transfer fee has been settled with Brentford for Christian Norgaard, while discussions continue with Valencia about Cristhian Mosquera. Arsenal is also in pursuit of a new winger, considering Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as possible options, especially after Nico Williams reached personal terms with Barcelona. Additionally, reports indicate that Atalanta’s forward Ademola Lookman is a primary target for Arsenal, who are currently engaged in talks with the Italian club regarding a potential deal for the 27-year-old player. CaughtOffside has noted that Arsenal has resumed negotiations with Atalanta for Lookman, learning that the club is asking for £38.5 million to £42.8 million, plus additional add-ons.
