Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have reportedly withdrawn their interest in Nigerian international Ademola Lookman.
Lookman ended last season with an impressive tally of 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances for La Dea. Notably, his hat-trick against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final significantly boosted his market value.
Following his impressive performance against the German club, the 26-year-old was linked with several top clubs, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus. However, it was the Saudi outfit that made a concrete offer for the Nigerian.
Italian media reported that the Nigeria international agreed to Al Ittihad's $15 million per season deal, but Atalanta were dissatisfied with the $35 million bid from the Saudi club, as they valued Lookman at €60 million as per Caclio Mercato.
Following the big-money signing of Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa, Al-Ittihad have now reportedly moved on from their pursuit of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year favourite.
Lookman appears on Al-Ahli's radar
With Al-Ittihad ending their pursuit of the Super Eagles forward, Galetti reports that another Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ahli, have placed the Atalanta player on their wish list ahead of the new season.
However, it remains uncertain whether the Saudi side would be willing to meet Atalanta's hefty asking price for their prized asset.
Since moving from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig to Atalanta, Lookman has netted 32 goals in 78 appearances across various competitions for La Dea. His existing contract with Atalanta runs until 2026.
Lookman was named Atalanta's Player of the Season for the second consecutive time, beating teammates Éderson and Teun Koopmeiners to the award after a season that saw him collect medals in all but one of the competitions he featured in for club and country.
