Newly appointed Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has expressed his desire to keep star forward Ademola Lookman at the club, urging the management to persuade the Nigerian international to remain beyond the summer transfer window.
Lookman, who enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, has attracted interest from top European clubs including Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as La Liga champions Barcelona.
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Despite the growing speculation around his future, Juric insists the 27-year-old is central to his plans for the upcoming season.
“The idea would be to keep both Lookman and Ederson, even if the club has clear ideas on the market and I have not made any request on players, not even on those I have had,” Juric said.
The Croatian tactician, who previously managed English Premier League side Southampton, emphasized that while he respects the club’s stance on transfers, retaining key players like Lookman would be ideal for the team’s progress.
Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, was a standout performer for Atalanta last season, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
With just a year left on his current deal with La Dea, the forward’s future remains uncertain. Talks of a contract extension have not yet surfaced, leaving room for speculation as Europe’s elite circle.
