Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Ademola Lookman amid the falling out with Atalanta manager after their Champions League exit on Tuesday night.
The former Leicester City forward missed a penalty, which he was not meant to take during the 3-1 loss to Club Brugge. The Serie A side were defeated 5-2 on aggregate and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back in his comments after the game.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said. “He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.
“[Mateo] Retegui and [Charles] De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
The 27-year-old has now taken to social media platform
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025 ” rel=”nofollow” target=”_self”>X to speak out. He wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been, not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.
“Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”
Lookman, who is under contract until 2026, has previously been claimed to be subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Liverpool. Arsenal are also in the mix and could land him for approximately £25million, according to Give Me Sport.
It’s said a move in the summer is ‘feasible’ and the player himself may now even push for a move after the public falling out with Gasperini. Lookman is well familiar with the Premier League, having spent time at Fulham and Leicester City on loan between 2020 and 2022 before sealing a permanent move to Atalanta from RB Leipzig.
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