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Arsenal’s Ademola Lookman chase ends

Arsenal’s Ademola Lookman chase ends
Arsenal’s Ademola Lookman chase ends

Arsenal’s potential pursuit of Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman appears to have hit a dead end.

In recent days, Lookman has been linked with a move away from the Italian club, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly showing interest.

However, the latest reports indicate that Lookman is now staying at Atalanta, despite the initial uncertainty.

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring their second goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring their second goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The transfer window has been rife with rumours regarding Lookman’s future.

As recently as last week, the Nigerian international had asked to train separately from the Atalanta squad at their Zingonia training centre. This was interpreted by many as an effort to stay fit while keeping his options open for a potential transfer abroad, with Arsenal named as one of the possible destinations.

However, the situation took a turn when Lookman returned to full training with Atalanta ahead of their upcoming Serie A clash with Inter Milan.

This return to group training has been seen as a strong signal that Lookman will remain in Italy, at least for the immediate future.

According to reports from Corriere della Sera, Lookman is no longer on the market, which effectively ends speculation of a late move to Arsenal or any other club during this transfer window.

Raspadori for a last minute And Lookman returns to Zingonia Zaniolo, other problems. Ongoing polls on the Napoli striker Corriere della Sera (Bergamo)29 Aug 2024  On the field On the left, Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadori in the match against Bologna The suggestion is strong, and keeps fans glued to the screens of mobile phones in these last hours of the market. Atalanta would be screening different profiles in the hypothesis of reinforcing the trident with another striker. Not only to increase the alternatives and raise the quality of the rose, but also because injuries are the order of the day: yesterday Zaniolo, just returned from tendinitis in his left foot, had to carry out therapies due to a muscle resentment at the left adductor.  The only positive note comes from Lookman, which now seems to have permanently removed from the market. The Nigerian in recent days had asked to be able to train separately in Zingonia, keeping fit but, at the same time, also keeping open to possible foreign calls (there had been talk of Arsenal as well as PSG). Yesterday, however, the striker, who is among the players called up by Nigeria for the two qualifying matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for September, returned to work in the group ahead of the match against Inter, scheduled tomorrow, at 20.45, at the San Siro stadium.  Atalanta, however, to demonstrate its ambitions and keep ready in case of opportunities to be seized in the last hours of the market, has advanced a survey for Raspadori, the striker of Naples and the National team (30 appearances and 6 goals). Born in 2000, Raspadori knows how to fill different positions in the offensive department (central point, second point, right and left wing but also playmaker) and last season he collected 47 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. Another name is that of Edouard of the Crst  In the evening came the official on Kossounou. The new defender of Atalanta, with his tail of pigtails and a look that denotes a certain attention to style, at lunchtime he carried out medical examinations at the La Madonnina nursing home in Milan and in the late afternoon he reached the Bortolotti Center to sign the contract and get to know the coach and the new companions. The Ivorian class 2001, third arrival in Zingonia in three days after Cuadrado and Rui Patricio, leaves Leverkusen on an expensive loan to 5 million euros with a ransom set around 23 million.  Medical examinations also passed for Koopmeiners, which angered the fans. The" I am happy " pronounced to 32 teeth, embracing the market man of the Gi Frost also on the part of the company, which has formalized the sale outright through a dry note without any word of good wishes, as is usually the case. Escorted, greeted by a roar at the Bianconera headquarters, has already turned the page and will challenge Atalanta the first days of 2025.  Today the team trains in the afternoon, always at the Bortolotti Center and behind closed doors, to prepare the delicate challenge against Inter, the first big match of the championship: tomorrow at 20.45 the kick-off will be Marchetti di Ostia Lido and the race will be visible on Dazn. He did not make it back to the group yesterday Kolasinac, who is continuing individual work in the field. Despite the return of Toloi therefore, the defense is still in emergency, with Hien resting due to a flu syndrome. At the moment for the three seats in the rear, only the captain, Dim Bakker and Sulemana are also working separately, while Scalvini and Scamacca continue the therapies. In Milan instead is recovering Captain Lautaro, who yesterday carried out almost all the  The neo-Uventino "I'm happy", smiles Koopmeiners after the departure for Turin: frost from fans and society  I work with the rest of the team. The star of Inzaghi did everything to be there against Atalanta.  Great success instead for the mini-season tickets for the four home races of Champions: the free sale made the total cards splash in a few hours to 16.011. Few availability remain in the areas of the grandstands of honor, west and Renaissance.
Corriere della Sera (Bergamo) 29 Aug 2024

Arsenal’s interest in Lookman was reportedly part of their broader strategy to strengthen their attacking options.

Lookman, who enjoyed a strong 2023/24 campaign with Atalanta, was viewed as a versatile forward who could add depth and quality to Mikel Arteta’s squad. His ability to play across the front line, coupled with his pace and directness, made him an attractive option for the Gunners.

Despite this, Arsenal’s focus may now shift elsewhere, especially with the window closing soon and Lookman seemingly committed to Atalanta.

Lookman’s decision to stay with Atalanta follows a solid period where he has cemented his place in the team. After a slow start to the previous season, Lookman became an integral part of Atalanta’s attacking trident, delivering crucial performances that helped the team in both Serie A and European competitions.

In the second half of the 2023/24 season, Lookman’s form improved significantly, making him one of the standout players for Atalanta. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring important goals caught the eye of several top clubs, including Arsenal.

Atalanta’s decision to keep Lookman coms with the club is dealing with several injuries, including to key players like Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been struggling with a recurring muscle issue.

In addition to holding onto Lookman, Atalanta has been linked with Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadori as a potential target to strengthen their offensive options.