Lookman: Arsenal legend scared for Gunners ahead of UCL opener

Published on by Godfred Budu

Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atalanta on Thursday, Gunners' legend Ian Wright has heaped praise on Ademola Lookman, and is concerned about the forward's potential to do damage to the Premier League side.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta's Europa League triumph last season, netting a hat-trick and handing Bayer Leverkusen their first defeat across all competitions.

Leverkusen had completed a flawless Bundesliga campaign as champions, finishing 17 points clear of their nearest ‘challengers’, and were two finals — one in the UEFA Europa League and another three days later in the DFB-Pokal — away from sweeping all honours before they ran into a peaking Lookman.

Ademola Lookman: Arsenal legend 'worried' for Ben White ahead of UCL opener
Photo by IMAGO

Wright, who enjoyed a successful seven-year spell with Arsenal, believes the Nigeria international's current form makes him a major threat to Mikel Arteta's side.

Ian Wright on Ademola Lookman's rise

Reflecting on Ademola Lookman’s performance against Fiorentina last weekend, Wright commented on his show on Wrighty's House: “Oh gosh, did you see his first assist with the way he just flicked it? It’s really beautiful football.

“I’m so pleased for him. But yeah, he worries me. But we’ve got Ben White on that side, and if he’s going to be on that side, we are going to be entertained. There’s a great team, especially with him.”

Ademola Lookman: Arsenal legend 'worried' for Ben White ahead of UCL opener
Photo by IMAGO

The Arsenal legend continued, “I’m pleased for him. His journey, where he’s gone, what he’s doing now, you could see a big move, you could see a move for him.

“The way he’s worked up, all the way from Charlton to where he is now, you’d believe that Atalanta is not his final destination in his mind, as great as it can be for them.

“And it’s not disrespectful, but like he’s got a level of playing now where you can see why people would say, I could, yeah, I could use him.”

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.