Lookman looks beyond Atalanta as PSG lurks around

• Bergamo chiefs sue for truce as Del Piero carpets Gasperini
Super Eagles and Atlanta striker, Ademola Lookman, is reportedly considering his next move as his time at the Italian Serie A club nears an abrupt end, following a heated fallout with head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.

The current African Footballer of the Year is unhappy with the manner the coach singled him out for blame after their Champions League exit on Tuesday night.

Although Lookman was expected to leave the modest Italian outfit after a sterling two-year stint, which saw him leading the team to the Europa League title in the 2023/24 season, Tuesday’s events are said to have put the motion into top gear.

The Serie A club made headlines for the wrong reasons after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge. Lookman, recovering from an injury, came from the bench to make an instant impact upon his introduction by scoring within a minute of the restart.

However, his night took a turn for the worse when he missed a crucial penalty just minutes later.

The costly miss drew harsh criticism from Gasperini, who did not hold back in his post-match remarks.

The Atalanta boss labelled Lookman as the “worst penalty taker” he had ever seen, a statement that has turned the heads of football fans around the world.

Lookman later addressed the issue on social media, expressing his disappointment with his coach’s remarks.

According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the Super Eagles star is already on course to leave Atalanta, with plans for his departure set in motion last summer.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, several European clubs are monitoring the situation.

Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as a strong contender to secure Lookman’s signature, with other top clubs also expected to enter the race.

Lookman remains crucial to Atalanta’s ambitions, having been named the club’s Player of the Season for two consecutive years. However, the 26-year-old’s future now appears uncertain, with reports suggesting he could depart this summer.

Juventus, who also suffered a Champions League exit to PSV, are reportedly keen on signing Lookman, with a €60 million move under discussion.

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have previously shown interest, and Atalanta may find it difficult to keep hold of their star forward after this public dispute.

Lookman has been in exceptional form this season, registering 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. If the fallout with Gasperini is not resolved, the Nigerian international could soon be plying his trade elsewhere.

There are reports that the club’s chiefs were set to meet with the player and his manager, yesterday, to sort out the issues to ensure it does not fester and affect their season.

Meanwhile, Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has waded into the case, saying that the Nigerian deserved more from his coach.

Del Piero, who is Italy’s second-highest all-time goal scorer, was unimpressed with Gasperini’s handling of the situation, warning that such public criticism could destabilise the dressing room.

“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said as per Tutto Atalanta.

“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well. Lookman’s response today also shows this.

“He’s having an extraordinary season, and yet you put him in the pillory, also risking cracking the dressing room. Let’s see how the team reacts…”