Lookman: Atalanta zero in on Brazilian replacement for Premier League-bound talisman

Published on by , updated on

Ademola Lookman is poised to depart Atalanta at the end of the season, with a Premier League return seemingly on the cards. 

The Nigeria forward, who is having another stellar campaign, has reportedly made the decision to seek a new challenge, prompting Atalanta to begin scouting potential replacements.

According to reports, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool are all monitoring Lookman's situation. The 27-year-old is said to be keen on returning to the topflight league in England, where he aims to prove his worth after previous spells with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City failed to fully ignite his career. 

Lookman: Atalanta zero in on Brazilian replacement for Premier League-bound talisman
Photo by IMAGO

This decision comes after a stellar spell at Atalanta, where he cemented his status as a fan favorite, capped by the 2023/24 Europa League triumph, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, and a 14th-place finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings.

Atalanta’s preparation for life after Lookman

La Dea, aware of Ademola Lookman's intentions, are reportedly prepared to sanction his departure for a fee of €45 million. The club had resisted offers for him last summer, notably from Paris Saint-Germain, but are now resigned to losing their star forward. 

To fill the potential void, Atalanta are reportedly targeting Wesley, a 2005-born Brazilian striker currently on loan at Al-Nassr from Corinthians.

Lookman: Atalanta zero in on Brazilian replacement for Premier League-bound talisman
Photo by IMAGO

Lookman's decision to leave comes amid a strained relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

The tension escalated after Gasperini publicly criticized him for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge, an incident that reportedly widened the rift between the two.

<!-- Author Start -->Toyosi Afolayan<!-- Author End -->

Toyosi Afolayan

Sports Writer

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports.