Ian Wright's absolutely bang on about this one.

The Arsenal legend's been banging the drum for Ademola Lookman all summer, and honestly? It's about time someone said it. After watching the Gunners finish second three times in a row (which, let's be honest, is starting to feel like a cruel joke), Wright's practically begging his old club to make a proper move for the Atalanta winger. And you know what? He's not wrong.

Lookman's valued at £50million these days. That's a far cry from the kid who couldn't quite make it work at Everton for £10million back in the day.

The Journey That Actually Matters

Here's the thing about Lookman that gets me every time - this guy's been through the wringer. Charlton to Everton (disaster). Loans to Fulham, Leicester, wherever they'd have him. Most players would've packed it in by now, maybe found a nice Championship club and called it a career.

Not this guy.

Wright put it perfectly on his podcast: "He never had no problem going wherever he needed to go to find it." That's the kind of mentality you want in your squad when you're trying to get over the line. When you've been runners-up three bloody times and need someone who knows what it's like to fight for something.

Then came that Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. I remember watching that thinking, "Where the hell has this been hiding?" Turns out it wasn't hiding - it just needed the right environment to flourish. Atalanta gave him that. Now he's finishing 14th in Ballon d'Or voting and winning African Player of the Year.

Arsenal's Age Problem (That Isn't Really a Problem)

Some of the Arsenal hierarchy are apparently worried about Lookman being 27. Peak age, they reckon. Already on the decline.

What absolute nonsense.

This is a player who's literally just hitting his stride. He's finally found his best position, his best system, his confidence. You're telling me that's a bad thing? That we should ignore a player because he's not 22 anymore? Meanwhile, we're watching City win titles with players well into their thirties.

Wright's got it spot on when he talks about "unfinished business." That's exactly what this would be for Lookman - a chance to come back to the Premier League and show everyone what they missed the first time around.

The Competition (Because Of Course There Is)

Liverpool are sniffing around too, naturally. Because that's just our luck, isn't it? Find a player who makes perfect sense, and suddenly half the league's interested.

But here's the thing - Arsenal need this more than Liverpool do right now. We're the ones who've been knocking on the door for three straight seasons without quite managing to kick it down. We're the ones who need that extra bit of quality, that spark of unpredictability that Lookman brings.

His numbers at Atalanta speak for themselves, but it's more than statistics. It's about having someone who's been written off before and came back stronger. Someone who knows what it's like to have doubters.

Just Do It Already

Look, £50million isn't pocket change. But it's not exactly breaking the bank for a player who could be the difference between another runner-up finish and actually winning something.

Wright's plea is simple: "I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, 'listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league'."

That's it. That's the pitch. Sometimes the best transfers aren't about finding the next wonderkid or the flashiest name. Sometimes they're about finding someone who's hungry, proven, and has something to prove.

Ademola Lookman ticks all those boxes. Arsenal would be mad not to at least try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective physical conditioning for football players?

Football players must have a comprehensive conditioning program that covers all aspects of fitness. This includes cardio exercises for endurance and speed, sprint training for agility and speed, strength training for power and flexibility to prevent injury. Also, using sport-specific exercises that mimic match conditions is beneficial to prepare the body for football's physical demands. A certified fitness professional can tailor a program to meet the individual's requirements.

Can you explain to me the rules of football's offside?

The offside rules are a part of the game that is meant to stop players from getting an unfair advantage. A player is in an offside position if any part of their head, body, or feet is in the opposing team's half of the pitch, closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (typically the last outfield player) at the moment the ball is played to them. It's important to note that being in an offside position is not an offense in itself, but it becomes an offense if the player actively involves themselves in the play, gains an advantage, or interferes with an opponent while in that position.

What role does a coach play in a football team's success?

A coach's key role in a team's football success is the development of training programmes, tactical planning, as well as player management. In addition to preparing effective training sessions and creating strategic game plans, the coach is responsible for motivating players. Coaches must also make critical decisions about the player's selection and position, while managing dynamics within the group to maintain a focused and positive environment. Their leadership often helps teams overcome challenges and drive them to achieve success.

What are essential skills for a good footballer?

To play great football, a player must develop a combination of technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills. Technical skills are ball control, dribbling passing and shooting. Tactical knowledge encompasses understanding of the game, such as positioning, movement, and decision-making. Speed, endurance and power are important physical attributes for performance. Mental toughness, focus and the ability of remaining calm under pressure is crucial for maintaining performance during a match.

How important is it to have a teamwork approach in football, and what can be done to encourage this?

It is important to have a team spirit in football. This is because the success of any team depends on how well all members work together. It can be fostered by developing a deep understanding of the team's strategies and each team member's role within them. Communication on and off the field is critical, as is trust among teammates. Team bonding activities and collective goal-setting can strengthen the sense of unity and commitment to the team's objectives. Respectful and supportive behavior can also foster teamwork by creating a positive culture.

Statistics

• Coaches who engage in continuous professional development contribute to a 40% better win ratio for their teams.
• Football players who follow a structured fitness regimen can see up to a 7% increase in their on-field speed and agility benchmarks.
• Teams that prioritize teamwork in training sessions increase their passing accuracy by an average of 15% in competitive matches.
• Players with a balanced diet containing adequate macronutrients have a 30% lower injury rate than those with less balanced nutritional habits.
• A consistent mental focus regimen, including visualization techniques, can enhance player concentration levels by up to 20% during matches.

External Links

fifa.com

• FIFA Grassroots

soccercoachweekly.net

• Soccer Coach Weekly

ffacoach.com

• FFA Coach

fai.ie

• Football Association of Ireland

uefa.com

• UEFA Playmaker

How To

How to excel as a football goalkeeper

If you are serious about becoming a great goalkeeper, then spend time improving your reflexes, diving skills, and ability to stop shots. Engage in drills that improve your footwork and positional play to enable quick and efficient movement across the goal. To boost your confidence, you can practice controlling your penalty and handling crosses. Reviewing video footage of your performances and studying professional goalkeepers will add insight into enhancing your game. It is important to maintain physical fitness, especially upper body flexibility and strength, in order to avoid injuries and perform powerful throws and dives.