Nigerian professional footballer Ademola Lookman has told Atalanta that he will leave the Bergamo club at the end of the season after submitting a formal transfer request.

According to Chroniclelive, the London-born star will be hoping that either Newcastle, Manchester United or Juventus follow up on their scouting missions this season. The 27-year-old forward is keen on a return to the Premier League, where he previously featured for Everton, Leicester City and Fulham.

Atalanta has set a transfer fee of £50 million for Lookman, with whom Newcastle and Manchester United have already been in preliminary talks.

The African Player of the Year’s decision comes following a high-profile and very public bust-up with boss, Gian Piero Gasperini over a penalty miss, and while it seemed the two had reconciled, the latest report indicates the forward wants a reset.

The Nigeria international has one year left on his deal with the Serie A side, which includes an option for the club to extend by an extra season, but the public fallout with Gasperini means he is likely to be sold this summer.

The spat between player and manager occurred when Lookman missed a penalty against Club Brugge, after which Gasperini publicly criticised him as one of the “worst penalty takers” he’d ever seen. Despite the tension, the forward has continued to play for Atalanta, though his departure now seems inevitable.

Spanish giants Barcelona have also entered the race for Lookman’s signature, with reports from Spanish media outlet Fichajes indicating that the Catalan club has initiated contact with the player’s representatives. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is said to view Lookman as a key potential addition to strengthen the club’s attacking options.

Lookman’s stock has risen considerably following his stellar 2023/24 campaign that saw him win the African Player of the Year award and claim a Europa League winners’ medal with Atalanta.

His remarkable form this season has further enhanced his reputation, having scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 23 Serie A appearances.

Market valuations place Lookman’s worth at approximately €65 million (£54.2 million), with multiple Premier League clubs showing keen interest. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the player’s situation, adding to the growing list of potential suitors.

While Lookman is said to prefer a return to England, Barcelona’s sporting project and the opportunity to play in La Liga could prove compelling for the versatile attacker. The Catalan club currently leads the La Liga standings and is looking to bolster its forward line ahead of next season.

Credit: punchng.com

Nigeria striker Informs Atalanta Management Of Plans To Leave

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