Atalanta coach Ivan Juric says he is concerned about the possible exit of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who has stopped training as he tries to force a move to Inter Milan.
Lookman has been absent for over a week after releasing a statement criticising the club for rejecting a 45 million euro offer from Inter. His absence leaves Juric with a major problem in attack ahead of the new Serie A season.
“Ademola was open with me and explained his feelings before walking out,” Juric told L’Eco di Bergamo. “It is sad the situation has reached this point but we have to accept it.”
Atalanta are already short of firepower after losing top scorer Mateo Retegui to Saudi Arabia. Together with Lookman, the two players provided almost 90 percent of the club’s goals last season.
“We cannot expect new signings to replace Retegui or Lookman’s numbers immediately,” Juric said. “What we must do is strengthen wisely and build more options in attack.”
This summer has also brought a major change with the departure of Gian Piero Gasperini, who ended his nine years in charge of the club. Juric compared his influence at Atalanta to the impact Sir Alex Ferguson had at Manchester United, saying it marked the end of an era.
Juric hopes Gianluca Scamacca can contribute after returning from knee injuries, but admits the striker is still not fully fit.
“He is improving and I want him involved in rotation, but to compete in all competitions we need another forward,” Juric added.
Juric will take charge of Atalanta for the first time when they face Pisa on August 25 in their league opener.
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