Reigning African Player of the Year and Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta for pre-season training despite being linked with a summer exit from Bergamo for the better part of this year, Footynaija.com reports.
Speculation has been rife over Lookman’s Atalanta future, especially after his public fallout with former La Dea boss Gian Piero Gasperini midway into the 24/25 season. Following that ugly incident, many reliable news outlets as well as journalists reported both player and club’s willingness to cut ties this summer.
Since then, there have been reports linking the Nigerian international to almost every top club side across Europe’s best leagues. Reports often linked him with a return to the Premier League, as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest all showed interest in his services at different times.
Juventus and Napoli, Atalanta’s Serie A rivals, were also reportedly interested, but no concrete move materialised. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid from La Liga have also shown interest in Lookman, and Diego Simeone’s Los Colchoneros currently appear to be the forward’s most eager suitors.
According to popular transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid have their eyes on the dynamic Nigerian forward and would love to secure his services this summer. However, their pursuit has stalled due to slow player exits in Madrid and lingering doubts over Atalanta’s valuation of the 27-year-old.
If a move eventually materialises, Lookman will be Atleti’s third summer signing from Atalanta. So far, they have already poached left-back Matteo Ruggeri and goalkeeper Juan Musso from La Dea for a combined fee of €20 million.
Lookman is certain to cost significantly more than that amount with the 23/24 Europa League winners expected to demand a fee in the range of €50 million to €60 million for their talismanic forward.