- Arsenal's pursuit of Ademola Lookman appears to have hit a snag as he looks set to stay at Atalanta
- The Nigerian winger's return to full training suggests he's committed to Atalanta
- Arsenal viewed Lookman as a key addition to their attacking lineup
Arsenal's hopes of signing Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman have reportedly come to an abrupt halt. The Nigerian international was rumoured to be on the radar of both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, fueling speculation of a possible move away from the Serie A club.
Recent developments, however, suggest that Lookman will remain with Atalanta, putting an end to the transfer speculation that has surrounded him for weeks.
Despite the flurry of rumours, Lookman has now returned to full training with Atalanta, a clear indication that he is staying put, at least for now.
According to TheRadar, Ademola Lookman had reportedly requested to train separately from the rest of the Atalanta squad at their Zingonia training facility. This move was widely interpreted as a strategic decision to maintain his fitness while keeping his options open for a potential transfer, with Arsenal being one of the rumoured destinations.
However, his reintegration into team training ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A match against Inter Milan seems to signal his commitment to the Italian side.
Reports confirm that Lookman is off the market, quashing any last-minute hopes Arsenal might have had of securing his services before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal's interest in Lookman was part of a larger strategy to bolster their attacking options. The 2023/24 season saw Lookman shine for Atalanta, where his versatility, pace, and ability to play across the front line made him an appealing target for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners were keen on adding depth and quality to their squad, and Lookman’s strong performances last season certainly caught their eye.
Lookman’s decision to remain at Atalanta follows a period where he has established himself as a key player for the team.
After a slow start to the last season, Lookman became a pivotal figure in Atalanta’s attack, delivering crucial performances in both Serie A and European competitions.
His significant improvement in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign turned him into one of Atalanta’s standout players, attracting interest from top clubs like Arsenal.
Atalanta's decision to keep Lookman comes as the club faces a series of injuries, including to key players like Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been dealing with a persistent muscle issue. Additionally, Atalanta has been linked with Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadori as they look to strengthen their offensive options further.
UEFA Super Cup Preview: 3 things take centre stage as Nigeria’s Lookman locks horn with Real Madrid
Previously, TheRadar reported that Atlanta triumphed 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League Final against a strong Bayer Leverkusen side, earning their spot in the UEFA Super Cup final, with Ademola Lookman netting a hat-trick.
On the other hand, Real Madrid emerged victorious in the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, adding their 15th European Championship to their illustrious history.
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual Super Cup football match organised by UEFA and contested by the winners of the two main European club competitions: the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
