Soccer
Ademola Lookman during warm up before the Serie A match beetween Ac Milan and Atalanta Copyright: ImagoxxMarcoxCanonierox
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid were reported admirers of Ademola Lookman earlier in the summer before Inter Milan made concrete moves to sign the Super Eagles attacker
Ademola Lookman’s immediate future remains unresolved after Atlético Madrid reportedly ruled out a move for the Nigerian forward, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old Atalanta star was strongly linked with Inter Milan earlier this month, with both clubs exploring a deal that at one stage involved Nicola Zalewski moving in the opposite direction.
However, negotiations collapsed after Atalanta rejected Inter’s €45m bid, insisting they would only sell if their €50m valuation was met. With the Nerazzurri unwilling to increase their offer, the transfer fell through.
Following the breakdown, Lookman’s representatives sounded out other potential suitors, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Atlético Madrid.
But according to Matte Moretto via Objectivo Atleti, Atlético have decided against pursuing the player, citing concerns over the investment required.
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Despite commiting Leandro Trossard to a new contract, Arsenal could retain their interest in Lookman following the injury to key man Kai Havertz.
Lookman has returned to Atalanta’s Zingonia training base this week after a self-imposed two-week absence.
His decision to report back earlier than expected surprised club officials, who have chosen not to comment publicly on the matter.
The winger, who had declared he no longer wished to play for Atalanta in the wake of the Inter saga, is currently training away from the first-team group. Italian reports suggest he will continue on an individual programme until at least early September while disciplinary issues are addressed.
Atalanta manager Ivan Juric faces a delicate balancing act over the coming weeks.
Lookman was one of the club’s standout performers last season, scoring 20 goals across all competitions and playing a central role in their push for Champions League football. His firepower would be difficult to replace if he were to leave before the transfer window shuts.
Despite the tensions, Atalanta have not closed the door on his reintegration.
The Super Eagles forward remains in limbo, though, training on his own while his representatives continue to explore options.
With less than two weeks left before the window closes, the possibility of a late exit still lingers, but as things stand, Lookman is set to remain an Atalanta player.
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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