Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are competing to sign Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman after a fallout with Atalanta coach Ivan Juric, reports say

Spanish and English giants Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have begun a transfer tussle for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, following reports of growing tensions between the forward and his Atalanta coach, Ivan Juric.

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According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Lookman showed signs of wanting to leave Atalanta during the upcoming January transfer window after a heated touchline altercation with Juric during a recent European fixture.

The incident reportedly escalated into a public confrontation, forcing backroom staff to intervene.

Tottenham are said to be leading the chase, viewing the 27-year-old as a dynamic attacking option to bolster their frontline, while Atletico Madrid are also preparing a move as they seek to deepen their offensive options.

“Lookman has made it clear that he could depart Atalanta in the next transfer window after a high-voltage incident with his coach,” Fichajes reported, adding that both clubs are “closely monitoring the situation.”

The publication noted that the dispute has created an “unsustainable atmosphere” between the player and coach, prompting Atalanta’s management to consider offers.

The tension intensified when Lookman unfollowed Atalanta on Instagram and deleted all team-related posts — actions that further fuelled speculation about his future.
A check by PUNCH Online confirmed the social media activity, which came days after the fiery confrontation during Atalanta’s 1–0 victory over Olympique Marseille.

Television footage showed a visibly upset Lookman pulling away as Juric grabbed his arm before staff members separated both men.

Juric later downplayed the incident, saying it was part of football’s “emotional intensity,” but sources close to the Nigerian forward suggest otherwise.

According to reports, Atalanta are willing to evaluate offers that meet their valuation, following a similar standoff last summer when a move to Inter Milan collapsed over a €50 million price tag.

Both Atletico and Tottenham reportedly see Lookman as an experienced performer capable of making an immediate impact, with Fichajes describing him as fitting “perfectly into the attacking profile” sought by both clubs.

Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, has endured a dip in form amid the ongoing off-field issues.

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With the winter transfer window approaching, his future in Italy appears increasingly uncertain as Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur intensify their pursuit.