Chelsea target wanted to replace Mykhailo Mudryk puts Blues on red alert with huge update on future
- Barnaby Lane
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
In an update that will no doubt come as welcome news to Chelsea fans, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has reportedly informed the Serie A club of his desire to leave the Gewiss Stadium this summer.
Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, has been one of Europe’s standout performers over the past two seasons, racking up 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions for La Dea, including a stunning hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.
However, tensions flared back in February when Lookman and Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini publicly clashed. Gasperini labeled him "one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen" after a miss against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Lookman hit back, calling the coach "disrespectful."
Following the fallout, Tutto Mercato Web, via Tribal Football, reports that Lookman has now expressed his intention to leave at the end of the season in search of a new challenge. It’s said the player and club have a "gentleman’s agreement" in place to allow his departure.
Barcelona and Newcastle United are among the clubs showing interest, while Chelsea are also reportedly in the mix.
TEAMtalk previously reported that the Blues have shortlisted the 27-year-old as a potential replacement for Mykhailo Mudryk, who faces an uncertain future after failing a drugs test.
Mudryk, who denies any wrongdoing, tested positive for meldonium – a substance that increases blood flow and can enhance endurance. Although typically used to treat angina, its use in sport is banned.
The Ukrainian international is currently awaiting the result of his B sample, leaving his status at Chelsea in limbo.
Lookman would be huge upgrade on Mudryk
Everything Chelsea says...
Prior to the provisional suspension, Mudryk had shown signs of improvement but was still far from justifying the £62 million Chelsea paid Shakhtar Donetsk for him in January 2023.
Lookman, meanwhile, has firmly established himself as one of the top forwards in Europe, thriving in Serie A – a league known for its rigid defences – and making history with his Europa League final performance.
Quick, agile, and clinical in front of goal, the London-born Nigerian international is exactly the kind of player Chelsea could use to sharpen their attack. Compared to Mudryk, Lookman brings a proven end product and consistency that the Blues have sorely lacked in recent seasons.
He also carries a sense of unfinished business in English football, having been unable to fully showcase his talent during stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. That hunger to prove himself could be the spark that propels him to success in a Chelsea shirt – if he makes the move.
Atalanta are reportedly demanding £50 million for his signature – a hefty sum, but considering his form and pedigree, it might just prove to be a bargain.
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