Former Atalanta man warns that Lookman has a message for Man United, Chelsea against Arsenal

Former Atalanta defender Nadir Zortea has warned Arsenal to be careful of Ademola Lookman, insisting the forward has something to prove in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Afrik-Foot reports.

Lookman’s Atlético Madrid will host the Gunners at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in what promises to be a high-level European contest.

The Nigeria international is well known in England after spells with Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. Despite showing flashes of talent, he struggled to fully deliver on his promise before moving abroad to join RB Leipzig.

It was in Italy with Atalanta that Lookman truly found his level. His finest moment came in 2024, when he scored a stunning hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final, the club’s first major European trophy.

After that success, Lookman secured a big move to Atlético Madrid during the winter transfer window, the most high-profile step of his career so far.

Zortea, now playing for Bologna, spoke highly of his former Atalanta teammate.

“He (Lookman) is one of the best team-mates I have ever had,” Zortea told The Sun.

“He is very fast and can score in many ways, but his incredible first touch is something which should be explained to young players.”

Several English clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, had been linked with Lookman during his time in Italy, but none made a decisive move. Zortea believes this Champions League clash gives him the perfect stage to respond.

“As for the match against Arsenal, I am sure he will be motivated to show to English fans that now he could play at all of the Premier League’s top clubs.”

Lookman included in Atletico squad despite fitness concerns

Lookman has been named in Atlético Madrid’s 23-man squad for the semi-final clash, easing concerns about his availability.

The forward had been a doubt after picking up a minor injury during the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, which forced him to miss recent La Liga matches against Elche CF and Athletic Bilbao.

Manager Diego Simeone had earlier suggested the Nigerian was not fully fit and would need a late assessment. However, his inclusion now indicates he has been cleared by the club’s medical staff.

Interestingly, despite facing Arsenal five times across his career in England and Italy, Lookman is yet to score against the North London club.

Wednesday night now offers him a fresh opportunity to break that record.