Lookman form scares Arsenal legend ahead of UCL clash

Ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash between Atalanta and Arsenal at the newly renovated Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Gunners legend Ian Wright while expressing his admiration for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman said he was worried about his abilities, The PUNCH  reports.

The Nigeria forward has been in red-hot form for La Dea since joining the club from RB Leipzig two seasons ago.

His impressive form played a key role as the Nerazzurri returned to UEFA’s elite competition after memorably lifting their first European trophy last season when they were the only team to defeat ‘invincible’ Bayern Leverkusen, winning 3-0 in the Europa League final.

Lookman scored a hat-trick in the final to condemn Xabi Alonso’s side to their only defeat of the 2023/24 season, thus becoming the first player to score a Europa League final treble.

The 26-year-old has started this campaign where he left off last season and despite missing Atalanta’s first three games, the Nigerian returned to the team against Fiorentina in blistering form.

The Nigeria international scored the decisive goal and provided an assist, helping Atalanta secure a crucial win, a performance that earned him Serie A’s best player for round four.

Four days later, he is set to face Arsenal who have shown interest in him in the past.

Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, the Arsenal icon was full of praise for the Nigerian and added that he was worried about the damage he could cause.

“Oh gosh, did you see his (Lookman’s) first assist with the way he just flicked it? So good. It’s really beautiful football, I’m so pleased for him. Yeah, he worries me,” said Wright.

With Lookman a threat on the flanks, Wright commented on Arsenal’s defensive strategy, saying, “But we’ve got Ben White on that side if he’s going to be on that side. And you know what? I’m pleased for him. His journey, where he’s gone, what he’s doing now, you could see a big move, you could see a move for him.”

He continued, “I’d love him to stay there, he’s been so good at Atalanta. The way he’s worked up, all the way from Charlton to where he is now… You’d believe that Atalanta is not his final destination in his mind.”

The 26-year-old, one of the 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, is the favourite to succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen as the CAF Africa Player of the Year.