In what was billed as one of Atalanta’s most consequential games of the season, Ademola Lookman rose to the occasion. Despite pre-match doubts surrounding his fitness because of an inflamed right Achilles tendon, which he picked up in the 4-0 victory over AC Monza on May 4th, the Nigerian forward not only made Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting XI but delivered a match-defining performance scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 win over AS Roma.
The 27-year-old has played an important role in Atalanta’s attacking unit this season, and Sunday night was no exception. His goal in the 9th minute, scored after finding a space in Roma’s defensive line, was a testament to his sharp reflexes and ability to step up under pressure. That early goal gave Atalanta momentum, and despite Roma’s brief comeback, the hosts regained control with a second-half winner from Ibrahim Sulemana.
Lookman, who played 88 minutes before being replaced amid a standing ovation, was a persistent threat. He attempted three shots, two blocked, and one narrowly missed, but his intelligent movement, pushing, and link-up play with Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui kept Roma’s backline on its toes.
“We put in a performance tonight that was deserving of that,” Lookman told DAZN after the game. “I try to be available whenever I can, so that’s important. I try to give my best. The team showed we are strong.” The forward’s words shows a player committed to the current collective cause, even while his future remains a point of growing speculation.
This victory secured Atalanta a third-place finish in Serie A and confirmed their return to Europe’s premier competition, a deserved reward after an impressive campaign. Lookman’s tally now stands at 15 goals and 5 assists in the league alone, with 20 goals and seven assists across all competitions. That output places him firmly among Serie A’s elite performers for 2024/25.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini described the encounter as “entertaining,” and it was—tense, technical, and fiercely competitive. But more importantly, it reinforced Lookman’s value to this Atalanta side.
However, the night wasn’t just a celebration, it was a potential farewell.
Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs until 2027, but his standout form has put him on the radar of several top European clubs ahead of the summer window. Arsenal are said to be leading the chase, and the Nigerian is reportedly high on their shortlist alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Jamie Gittens. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners view him as a dynamic option to support Bukayo Saka, at around €60 million.
Interest isn’t limited to England. Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, and PSG are all said to be circling. With Barcelona pulling out of the race for Nico Williams, Lookman has reportedly emerged as a potential target. Juventus, meanwhile, sees him as a possible replacement if Dusan Vlahovic moves on.
Atalanta are in no rush to sell, with Lookman under contract until 2027. However, it has not been all smooth behind the scenes. Tensions reportedly flared after he missed a crucial penalty against Club Brugge in a Champions League play-off, prompting manager Gian Piero Gasperini to label him “one of the worst penalty kick takers.” And while his recent start against Roma suggests the issue has been managed internally, the public nature of the comment has only increased the chances of him leaving.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has since noted that Lookman is “more than likely” to leave this summer. And those close to the player say he’s open to a Premier League return, a league he knows well from his spells at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester. But the version of Lookman now on display is a different player entirely: confident, consistent, and clutch on the biggest nights.
Whether his performance this season will mark the beginning of a legacy in Bergamo or the closing chapter of his time at Atalanta remains to be seen. But if one thing is clear after May 12, it’s this: Ademola Lookman is ready for whatever comes next.
