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“Ademola Lookman steps up… a chance to score a second from the Penalty Spot a few minutes after he had scored the first after being subbed in… but he misses! The Atalanta forward, who moments ago reignited hope with a goal, has now seen his Penalty saved By Simon Mignolet. Gasperini turns away in frustration, Lookman buries his head in his shirt. This wasn’t how it was meant to go.”
Surely, these scenes are still fresh in your mind, right? It was just a week ago when Atalanta faltered against Club Brugge in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
That moment in the Champions League against Club Brugge did not define Ademola Lookman’s time at Bergamo, but it showed the growing tension between him and the coach. Gian Piero Gasperini’s public criticism—calling Lookman ‘one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen’—only added to the feeling that Lookman’s time at the club is coming to an end. With rumors swirling about a summer move, the real question isn’t if Lookman leaves Atalanta, but where he goes next.
Lookman responded on the pitch with a MOTM performance in their 0-5 win over Empoli at the weekend, scoring twice.
Never doubt the king ??? pic.twitter.com/Sj0My4epti
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 24, 2025
Although Gasperini had come out to say he didn’t mean to offend Lookman, the writing is on the wall that Lookman should still move, and for one who’s entering his prime at 27, his move must be a step up, and choosing wisely is crucial. A wrong decision—a club with the wrong system or lacking ambition—could undo all his progress. So, where should he go if he’s serious about leveling up?
Arsenal – A return to England, but at the right level
Honestly, Arsenal seems like the ideal destination for Ademola Lookman this summer. Mikel Arteta has built a well-structured, elite team, but they’re still missing that extra spark in attack. While Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are the starting wingers, the Gunners lack strong alternatives in those positions.
Lookman, with his versatility to play on either wing, could add crucial depth, particularly in a squad competing on multiple fronts. He could also help address the long-standing need for a versatile forward, a player Arsenal fans have been longing for in recent seasons.
Considering Arsenal’s current options on the left flank or as a number nine, Ademola Lookman has the edge over anyone in those positions. With his current form, it would be a win-win situation for both him and the club.
Manchester City — A chance to play Under Pep Guardiola
If you call Pep Guardiola the greatest manager of all time, you wouldn’t be wrong from a certain perspective. Undoubtedly, he is one of the all-time greats, a manager with immense authority in football history. So, why wouldn’t playing under him be a great move for Lookman?
Beyond the manager, Manchester City is a well-structured team, even though this season hasn’t been their smoothest. Despite their struggles, they haven’t fallen off completely. They currently sit fourth in the Premier League, are still in the FA Cup, and even though they’ve exited the Champions League, losing to a 15-time winner like Real Madrid is hardly a failure.
ADEMOLA. LOOKMAN. ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 24, 2025
Thats it, thats the tweet.pic.twitter.com/FmMcDDTMGT
With Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish possibly leaving this summer, Manchester City will need reinforcements in wide areas. Lookman’s pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability make him an ideal fit. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Guardiola build a front three featuring Lookman, Haaland, and Savinho.
Holistically, Arsenal and Manchester City stand out as the best destinations for Lookman this summer. A move to either club wouldn’t be a step down in his career—he would walk in, make an immediate impact, and secure regular playing time. Other potential options include Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Liverpool, but concerns remain about whether these clubs have room for him in his preferred position.
The odds are high for Lookman to move in the summer, but one thing is clear: he’s come too far to settle for anything less than a step up in his career.
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