Ademola Lookman Returns to Atalanta for Preseason Amid Transfer Talks

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has resumed pre-season training with Italian club Atalanta, despite ongoing rumours linking him with a summer move.

The 26-year-old was seen at Atalanta’s medical centre on Monday morning for routine checks before joining the rest of the squad for training and friendly matches ahead of the new season.

Lookman has been the subject of transfer speculation since last season ended, following a reported fallout with former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Top European clubs such as Barcelona, Napoli, and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in signing him. Several Premier League teams have also been linked with the winger.

Italian journalist Claudio Raimondi reported that Napoli have already contacted Atalanta and offered €25 million plus forward Giacomo Raspadori in a bid to sign Lookman. Another transfer expert, Matteo Moretto, stated that the Super Eagles star has no plans to return to the English Premier League at this stage of his career.

Moretto also confirmed that Atletico Madrid are monitoring Lookman closely, especially after recent transfer talks between them and Atalanta over defender Matteo Ruggeri. Meanwhile, Barcelona are believed to be interested in Lookman after missing out on Spanish winger Nico Williams.

Lookman’s current contract with Atalanta runs until 2027, and he is valued at around €50 million. He had an outstanding 2024/25 season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists. His performance helped Atalanta finish third in Serie A and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He also earned a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season and ended the campaign as the league’s third top scorer.

For now, Lookman is focused on preparing for the new season, while the football world watches closely to see where he will play next.