Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman might be on the verge of leaving Atalanta after a two-season spell with the Serie A club.

The Nigerian star has reportedly informed Atalanta of his decision to depart, amid strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, PSG.

PSG, who have reportedly made a verbal offer to secure Lookman’s services, turned their attention to the winger following a recent injury to key player Gonçalo Ramos, which will sideline the striker for a couple of months.

Lookman’s performances have not gone unnoticed, especially after his heroic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen last season.

This feat caught the eye of several top clubs, with interest from Saudi clubs and PSG keen on securing the Nigerian’s signature.

Lookman is currently a front-runner for the African Player of the Year award, following his impressive performances at AFCON and his crucial role in Atalanta’s Europa League victory last season.

Even in the Europa League winner’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Super Cup final this month, Lookman put on an impressive display.

However, his absence from the squad in Monday’s Serie A clash against Lecce seems to confirm his potential departure from Atalanta.

Reacting to the transfer speculations, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, however, expressed surprise and concern over the Nigerian’s potential exit, labeling it as “unexpected.”

He spoke about the challenges of dealing with such distractions at the start of the season, especially with Lookman now being a prime target for PSG.

“I owe a lot to Koopmeiners and Lookman; they have always been sincere with me. It’s unfortunate that this situation arises just as the season is starting,” Gasperini quipped.

Ademola Lookman with the Atalanta coach upon the team’s arrival at Bergamo airport, one day after winning the UEFA Europa League final. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

“The worst part is that these issues surface when the championship is already underway.”

“No one likes dealing with these distractions at this stage. If this had happened in July, it wouldn’t have caused such problems,” Gasperini admitted.

Despite Atalanta’s reluctance to sell, the club acknowledges that they wouldn’t want to hold back Lookman if his mind is made up to leave.

Atalanta is reportedly furious with PSG for bypassing the club and directly approaching the player with a lucrative offer.

The Italian club now insists on the €40 million fee to proceed with any transfer.

Gasperini’s Classy Reaction To Atalanta Star’s Transfer

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman might be on the verge of leaving Atalanta after a two-season spell with the Serie A club.

The Nigerian star has reportedly informed Atalanta of his decision to depart, amid strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, PSG.

PSG, who have reportedly made a verbal offer to secure Lookman’s services, turned their attention to the winger following a recent injury to key player Gonçalo Ramos, which will sideline the striker for a couple of months.

Lookman’s performances have not gone unnoticed, especially after his heroic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen last season.

This feat caught the eye of several top clubs, with interest from Saudi clubs and PSG keen on securing the Nigerian’s signature.

Lookman is currently a front-runner for the African Player of the Year award, following his impressive performances at AFCON and his crucial role in Atalanta’s Europa League victory last season.

Even in the Europa League winner’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Super Cup final this month, Lookman put on an impressive display.

However, his absence from the squad in Monday’s Serie A clash against Lecce seems to confirm his potential departure from Atalanta.

Reacting to the transfer speculations, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, however, expressed surprise and concern over the Nigerian’s potential exit, labeling it as “unexpected.”

He spoke about the challenges of dealing with such distractions at the start of the season, especially with Lookman now being a prime target for PSG.

“I owe a lot to Koopmeiners and Lookman; they have always been sincere with me. It’s unfortunate that this situation arises just as the season is starting,” Gasperini quipped.

“The worst part is that these issues surface when the championship is already underway.”

“No one likes dealing with these distractions at this stage. If this had happened in July, it wouldn’t have caused such problems,” Gasperini admitted.

Despite Atalanta’s reluctance to sell, the club acknowledges that they wouldn’t want to hold back Lookman if his mind is made up to leave.

Atalanta is reportedly furious with PSG for bypassing the club and directly approaching the player with a lucrative offer.

The Italian club now insists on the €40 million fee to proceed with any transfer.

Aishat Akanni