Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has confirmed that the club is open to welcoming Ademola Lookman back into the fold if the winger demonstrates a renewed attitude and commitment, Afrosport reports.
The Nigeria international has been at the center of a turbulent summer at the club, failing to report for training in a bid to force a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
Inter had two bids rejected for Lookman, who took to social media to hand in a transfer request and also accusing the club of broken promises. However, the failed transfer has left tensions high, and the 27-year-old has yet to be fully reintegrated into the squad.
Reports from Italy claim the reigning African Player of the Year has not shown the right level of commitment in training, raising doubts about his future under head coach Ivan Juric.
Juric recently made it clear that he won’t go out of his way to persuade Lookman to stay, saying the player must show he truly wants to be part of the team.
In a recent interview with Sky Sport Italia, Atalanta chief Percassi emphasised the club’s stance: “You can’t go back and change the past, so we’re focused on the present and the future. We all know how talented Ademola is, but to play for Atalanta, you need to be 100 percent focused.
“When he feels ready to show that level of commitment, we’ll be here ready to welcome him back with open arms.”
Lookman has not featured for the Bergamo side this season, having been omitted from their matchday squad for their four games in Serie A. He also missed Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain, which ended in a 4-0 defeat to Atalanta.
