Two Serie A sides interested in Lookman deal after Gasperini altercation | OneFootball

Two Serie A sides are reportedly interested in striking a deal with Atalanta for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, who appears keen to leave the club after a public falling-out with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini over the last few days.

Lookman and Gasperini came to blows after Atalanta were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Club Brugge on Tuesday evening. The reigning African Player of the year came on at half-time, scored almost immediately, but then stepped up to take a penalty even though he wasn’t the designated taker and was not able to score.

In response, Gasperini labelled him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” which led Lookman to respond with a statement explaining that he found the comments “hurtful and deeply disrespectful.”

Lookman had also been keen on a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, and even ruled himself out of the first Serie A matches of the season as a result, but that move never materialised.

DUBLIN, IRELAND – MAY 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC bites their winner’s medal as he celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Two Serie A sides interested in Lookman deal

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, both Napoli and Juventus are interested in picking up a deal for Lookman, who seems sold on the idea of a new adventure away from Bergamo next season.

Friday’s report claims that Atalanta value the 27-year-old in the region of €60m, but with a contract that expires at the end of next season, La Dea are reportedly aware that they will likely have to lower the asking price if they are to cut ties with the Nigerian this summer.

Atalanta’s Nigerian forward #11 Ademola Lookman attends a training session on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup football match Real Madrid v Atalanta Bergamo in Warsaw, Poland, on August 13, 2024. The 2024 UEFA Super Cup final football match between Real Madrid and Atalanta will be held on August 14, 2024 at the National Stadium in Warsaw. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images)

Juventus could restructure their attacking department over the next transfer window, which could be partly funded by a sale of Dusan Vlahovic, while Napoli are still on the lookout for another option in attack following the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January.

Friday’s report claims that there had also been initial interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.