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In the latest round of summer transfer news, Atalanta BC officially announces that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will be departing the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. This follows recent internal disputes and public comments that have exposed a tense relationship between Lookman and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
The drama was played out in Atalanta’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge. After being brought on as a substitute, Lookman made an instant impact by scoring a goal. Later, however, a missed penalty sparked fierce criticism from Gasperini, who stated, “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman reacted to this by being saddened on social media, stating, “Being targeted in the way I have been not only stings but also feels deeply disrespectful.”
These occurrences have fueled gossip about Lookman’s future with Atalanta. Transfer news had been weighed last summer, with several clubs having expressed interest. The latest has now ratified plans for Lookman’s departure in the following transfer window.
Lookman joined Atalanta in August 2022 and has been a key figure in the team’s achievements, including their victory in the UEFA Europa League in May 2024, when he scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His performances have attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, with Arsenal reportedly preparing a bid of £43 million for his services.
Atalanta administrators will meet Gasperini within 24 hours to discuss the situation. However, it is anticipated that the negotiations will not be in a position to reverse the transfer decision on Lookman. The club wishes to have a seamless transition and will consider bids corresponding to their estimation of the player’s value.
As the summer transfer window draws near, more news will be available regarding Lookman’s new team and Atalanta’s intentions to strengthen their team for the coming season.
