Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta team training after a transfer standoff, ending weeks of uncertainty over his future in Serie A, while Juventus have identified the Nigerian as their top target to replace Dusan Vlahovic in 2026.

According to Sport Mediaset, Lookman has officially rejoined training with Atalanta after weeks in limbo due to his push for a transfer to Inter Milan.

The Nigeria international had trained separately following his dramatic fallout with the club in August, even deleting Atalanta pictures from his social media.

Inter reportedly submitted a €45m (£38m/$53m) bid, which was turned down, and with the move collapsing, Lookman has now been reintegrated into Ivan Juric’s squad following his time on international duty.

La Dea stood firm throughout the summer saga, refusing to part with one of their key attacking figures despite Inter’s strong interest. Lookman, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, is considered vital to their ambitions in Serie A and Europe.

The situation is reminiscent of 2024, when the forward was also sidelined until after the transfer window closed, only to return and play a crucial role in their campaign.

During the international break, Lookman featured heavily for Nigeria, playing 75 minutes against Rwanda and a full 90 minutes against South Africa in World Cup qualifying. His fitness levels appear strong, though Atalanta will carefully manage his reintegration.

The striker’s presence provides Juric with much-needed attacking depth alongside Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere.

The 27-year-old is unlikely to be involved when Atalanta face Lecce in Serie A, but he could make the squad for their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. The Nerazzurri hierarchy expect him to play a central role this season, with the transfer dispute now behind him.

However, Lookman’s future beyond this season remains uncertain, with Tuttosport reporting that Juventus have identified him as their top target to replace Dusan Vlahovic in 2026.

The Serbia international is not expected to extend his contract at the Allianz Stadium beyond June, and the Bianconeri are naturally looking for replacements already.

Lookman is expected to leave Atalanta, possibly even in January, given that his contract with the Nerazzurri expires in June 2027. Juventus will keep a close eye on the situation while scouting other possible targets as well.

According to Tuttosport, Lookman’s teammate Scamacca is among those on the Juventus agenda, and the same is true of Santiago Castro, Matteo Pellegrino, Gonçalo Ramos, Emanuel Emegha, George Ilenikhena and Joshua Zirkzee.

The Nigerian’s return to training marks a significant development for Atalanta’s season preparations, though questions remain about his long-term commitment to the club given the summer’s events and continued speculation about his future.