Ademola Lookman is back in Bergamo for pre-season duties with Atalanta, even as major European clubs circle for his signature following a standout campaign in Serie A.
The Nigerian winger arrived at the Gewiss Clinic on Monday morning for routine medical tests, signalling the end of his summer break and the beginning of preparations for the 2024/25 season.
Dressed casually and still exuding holiday vibes, Lookman was spotted posing for photographs with fans before heading in for his check-ups.
Last season, the 27-year-old was electric, netting 15 goals and providing five assists to help Atalanta clinch third place in Serie A and a Champions League berth. His contributions saw him named in the Serie A Team of the Season and made him the league’s third-highest scorer — behind only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui (26) and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean (19).
Such numbers have not gone unnoticed.
Napoli, fresh off their league title, are rumoured to have tabled a player-plus-cash bid for Lookman. Barcelona are also monitoring his situation closely after failing to land Nico Williams.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are admirers of the Super Eagles star but are said to be put off by Atalanta’s steep valuation. The Premier League club appears to have made the decision to sign Chelsea’s Noni Madueke ahead of Lookman.
Despite the growing speculation, Lookman remains committed to Atalanta for now. He is expected to link up with his teammates on Tuesday morning at the Bortolotti Centre in Zingonia for the official start of pre-season.
The club opens their Serie A campaign against newly-promoted Pisa on August 24.
