Arsenal have reportedly been snubbed in an opportunistic £45 million approach for Atalanta forward and long-term CHELSEA target Ademola Lookman, who is keen to make a move away from the Italian giants this summer
The 27-year-old forward joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig back in 2022 and has gone on to score 52 goals in 117 appearances for the Italian outfit in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the best attackers in Europe.
There are still two years remaining on Lookman’s current contract in Bergamo, but it appears the attacker has made up his mind and is intent on leaving before the transfer deadline, and reports on the TMW website claimed that Arsenal made a move to get a transfer deal done, but have reportedly been subbed by the attacker.
It is claimed that he is not interested in making a move to the Gunners, which will hand the likes of CHELSEA, Juventus and Tottenham a boost in their chase
In a lengthy statement on his social media pages, Lookman recently said he was ‘truly sorry’ to have to take such drastic action following an ‘extremely difficult’ period in his career
‘Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication,’ he wrote.
‘I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.
‘Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived and I’ve always tried to repay that love – even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.
‘That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.’
According to Lookman, Atalanta continue to hold him hostage despite receiving a suitable bid from a potential suitor this summer.
‘There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move,’ he added.
‘Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.
‘As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough.’
Lookman continued: ‘I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.
‘Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.
‘To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.
‘I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible. With love and gratitude, Ademola.’
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