Regardless of being one among Atalanta‘s standout gamers, Ademola Lookman has discovered himself on the heart of controversy following the crew’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League by the hands of Membership Brugge. After receiving harsh criticism from coach Gian Piero Gasperini, stories counsel that Lookman will depart Atalanta on the finish of the season.
Within the 1-3 defeat to Membership Brugge, Lookman missed a penalty within the sixtieth minute, which prompted a public outburst from Gasperini. “Ademola Lookman is likely one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Italian coach stated, questioning why Lookman, slightly than Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere, had taken the penalty. This led to a press release from the membership.
In keeping with Sky Sports activities‘ Sacha Tavolieri, Lookman is ready to depart Atalanta in the summertime. A significant component behind this determination, and the rising discomfort inside his camp, is Gasperini’s dismissive feedback relating to Lookman’s position within the crew.
Forward of Atalanta’s Serie A conflict with Empoli, Gasperini addressed the rising stress surrounding the membership. “I didn’t get the sense that there was this large fuss; it was principally a media challenge,” he stated. “I nearly really feel that for some, it is perhaps helpful to explain Atalanta as an surroundings that’s falling aside, however all of this works in opposition to Atalanta, not simply in opposition to me and Lookman. My remark wasn’t meant to be offensive in the direction of him.”
In response to the controversy, Lookman put in a powerful efficiency in opposition to Empoli, scoring twice and incomes the MVP award. Regardless of remaining a daily starter for Atalanta, stories counsel Lookman is now contemplating a return to the Premier League.
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Lookman vs. Gasperini: Atalanta ahead defends himself after being labeled ‘the worst penalty taker’
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Saudi Arabia eyeing Lookman
Lookman’s performances, together with a standout hat-trick within the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League last in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen, have caught the eye of a number of prime golf equipment. Together with his departure from Atalanta trying more and more doubtless, Liverpool, Arsenal, and the Saudi Professional League are among the many potential locations for the winger.
Tavolieri stories that Liverpool has already been in touch with each Atalanta and Lookman, with the membership eyeing him as a possible alternative for Mohamed Salah. Arsenal, in the meantime, has made inquiries however has but to take concrete steps compared to Liverpool.
Whereas the Saudi Professional League has not but made an official method, Lookman has reportedly expressed to his entourage that he can be open to a transfer to the league if the chance arises. With 29 appearances, 17 targets, and seven assists to this point this season with Atalanta, Lookman will undoubtedly be probably the most sought-after gamers within the 2025 summer season switch market.