Soccer
Ademola Lookman. Photo Credit: Lookman/X
Ademola Lookman has rejoined Atalanta after a two-week self-imposed absence but will not immediately reintegrate with the first team, Soccernet.ng reports.
According Italian football expert Alfredo Pedulla, the Nigerian forward is set to continue training alone until at least early September as disciplinary issues surrounding his attempted move to Inter Milan remain unresolved.
Ademola Lookman reported back to Atalanta’s Zingonia training centre on Tuesday, earlier than the club expected.
Officials were surprised by his arrival and offered no public comment, leaving the situation to be handled internally.
Despite ending his brief strike, the 27-year-old was kept away from full team sessions, working instead on an individual programme designed to rebuild his sharpness. Reports in Italy suggest the club could still impose sanctions for his refusal to train earlier this month.
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The winger had sought a transfer to Inter Milan and openly declared in a statement that he no longer wished to play for Atalanta. Negotiations between the two clubs eventually collapsed when a deal could not be reached, leaving Lookman in an awkward position.
His future outside Bergamo also looks uncertain. Arsenal were previously linked with the Super Eagles forward, but that option appears to have closed after Leandro Trossard agreed an improved contract with the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal and Trossard will continue their association for at least another two years.
The Belgian’s new deal increases his wages but keeps the existing 2027 expiry date intact, effectively shutting the door on any late move for Lookman.
Atalanta, meanwhile, remain cautious over the player’s situation. Lookman will continue to train separately for at least the next fortnight, with no clarity yet on whether he will be reintegrated into Ivan Juric’s squad.
Lookman enjoyed a standout season last year, finishing with 20 goals across all competitions.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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