Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini has informed the club that he will only sign a contract extension if they keep two of Ademola Lookman, Ederson, or Mateo Retegui, Soccernet.ng reports.
Gasperini’s contract at Atalanta officially expires on June 30, potentially bringing an end to a nine-year stay at the club. But the club have been making moves to keep him due to the results he has produced despite their meagre investments.
However, the Italian tactician is has demanded that the club keep some of his best legs. Gasperini has demanded assurance from Atalanta’s leadership that they will not sell two of Lookman, Ederson and Retegui.
This is as these three players have been linked with exits. In fact, in February, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano already reported that there are already plans for Lookman to leave Atalanta in the summer.
The Super Eagles forward has been linked with clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Juventus.
() JUST IN: Ademola Lookman is a player who is really appreciated by those within Barcelona + player open to a potential idea of a move to the Catalan club. However, he isn’t high in the list of Barça’s preferred LW options. @martinezferran #Transfers pic.twitter.com/AhC40HVME1
— Reshad Rahman (@ReshadFCB) March 22, 2025
Meanwhile, Ederson has been linked with Juventus, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Also, there are speculations that Retegui could join Chelsea or Arsenal.
Ademola Lookman is up for a big summer
This summer will be key for Ademola Lookman as he is already 27. He is already in his prime.
Last summer, he was heavily linked with PSG, but Atalanta refused to let him leave. However, this summer, his exit is almost certain.
The Super Eagles forward has to make the right move this summer. If not, he may not be rated highly among most fans.
Since Lookman grew up in England and spent the early years of his career there, he would likely favour a return to the Premier League.
Juventus are also a big club. But they are unstable at the moment. The club have been hiring and firing managers, and some of their big signings have found it difficult to find their feet. Barcelona are also in the mix, but their finances could be a problem.
Lookman is one of the toasts of Europe. But while he is highly rated, he has to do it at a bigger club where he will rub shoulders with other bigger clubs and win titles.