Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his admiration for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman and cautioned the Gunners to be wary of the Nigerian when the two sides meet in the UEFA Champions League this Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.
In between two challenging Premier League fixtures — away trips to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City — Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face a tricky Champions League tie against Atalanta.
Arsenal, returning to Europe’s elite competition, will have to contend with Lookman, who has been in fine form for the Serie A side since leaving English football.
Once linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window, Lookman has continued to impress in Italy.
His performances have sparked interest from several clubs, and a potential transfer fee of around £51 million is now being quoted for the former Charlton Athletic winger.
Ian Wright, speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, acknowledged Lookman’s development and predicted that he may soon outgrow Atalanta.
“Oh gosh, did you see his (Lookman’s) first assist with the way he just flicked it? So good. It’s really beautiful football, I’m so pleased for him. Yeah, he worries me,” said Wright.
With Lookman a threat on the flanks, Wright commented on Arsenal’s defensive strategy, saying,
“But we’ve got Ben White on that side, if he’s going to be on that side. And you know what? I’m pleased for him. His journey, where he’s gone, what he’s doing now, you could see a big move, you could see a move for him.”
He continued, “I’d love him to stay there, he’s been so good at Atalanta. The way he’s worked up, all the way from Charlton to where he is now… You’d believe that Atalanta is not his final destination in his mind.”
Lookman scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League in May to help Atalanta lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
The 26-year-old, one of the 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, is the favourite to succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen as the CAF Africa Player of the Year.