Lookman, Chukwueze, Arokodare in spotlight as transfer window shuts

It is less than 24 hours to the close of the transfer window across Europe, with clubs, players’ agents, and footballers involved in a last-minute rush to beat the deadline.

Actively involved in the final day of transfer window activities are several Nigerian internationals seeking moves away from their current clubs.

Here is a look at the chances of Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and others as the transfer window deadline approaches:

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Bayern Munich)
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman entered the transfer window almost certain of securing a move away from Atalanta, ending an impressive three-year spell in which he played a key role in their first-ever Europa League title triumph.

What was meant to be a fitting end to his redemption story at Bergamo has soured in recent weeks. Atalanta, who value Lookman at around €50 million, blocked moves for the Nigerian. Inter Milan came closest to signing him but pulled out after failing to reach an agreement.

Lookman and his representatives have since explored options, the latest being a loan move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Atalanta prefer a loan with an obligation to buy, while Bayern proposed a loan with an option, leaving the deal unresolved.

Tottenham Hotspur remain linked, and with hours left, the saga could still take a dramatic turn.

Tolu Arokodare (Genk to Wolves)
Last season’s Belgian Pro League top scorer, Tolu Arokodare, is close to signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 24-year-old, used mostly as a substitute this season, now has the chance to seal a dream move to the Premier League.

Arokodare arrived in England on Sunday, with reports suggesting he has already completed medicals. Wolves are expected to announce him as their sixth summer signing.

Chrisantus Uche (Getafe to Crystal Palace)
Chrisantus Uche’s transfer saga has been one of the most intriguing. The 22-year-old was close to joining Wolves before the move collapsed, with his representatives expressing dissatisfaction.

Shortly after, Crystal Palace entered the race, seeking reinforcements to replace Eberechi Eze, who moved to Arsenal earlier this summer. Uche has reportedly travelled to England for medicals, and the move is expected to be completed before the deadline.

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan to Fulham)
Fulham’s pursuit of Samuel Chukwueze stretches back to January, but a deal failed to materialise then. This summer, however, optimism is high that the 26-year-old winger will join the Cottagers.

Chukwueze is already in England awaiting clearance from AC Milan to undergo medicals. On the player’s side, there are no issues, as he is eager to team up with compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.

Cyriel Dessers (Rangers to Panathinaikos)
Cyriel Dessers’ move to Greek giants Panathinaikos has flown under the radar but is close to completion. Both Rangers and Panathinaikos have agreed on terms, with the transfer expected to be worth about €5 million.

Rangers coach Martin Russell confirmed the deal after Sunday’s goalless Old Firm Derby. Dessers, who recently returned from injury, is now set to travel to Greece to finalise the move.

Other moves to watch

Kelechi Iheanacho: The striker could leave Sevilla on loan for more game time, just as he did in January.

Taiwo Awoniyi: With increased competition at Nottingham Forest, doubts remain about his playing time.

Emmanuel Dennis: Following his contract termination at Forest, he is attracting interest from Italy.

Sadiq Umar: Yet to feature for Real Sociedad this season, he may consider a move away, either on loan or permanently.