Atalanta hosts Arsenal in Champions League clash after Lookman’s hat-trick

Arsenal's Champions League campaign begins with a challenging match against Atalanta, the Europa League winners, on Thursday night. Ademola Lookman, who recently scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, is a key player for Atalanta and has shown significant improvement since his time in the Premier League. He previously struggled to make an impact during his stints with Fulham and Leicester, but has since become a vital asset for his current club. Lookman's transformation is highlighted by his impressive statistics from last season, where he netted 17 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions. His performance in the Europa League final, where he became the first player since 1975 to score a hat-trick in a major European final, has garnered him a spot on the Ballon d'Or shortlist. This recognition reflects not only his standout performance but also his overall development as a player. Despite missing the start of the current season due to injury, Lookman returned to action in a recent match against Fiorentina, contributing to his team's victory. His past experiences in England, including a difficult period at Everton, have shaped his career, and he has since declared for Nigeria, helping the national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. As Arsenal prepares to face Atalanta, Lookman is eager to showcase his abilities on a larger stage. He acknowledges the challenge posed by Arsenal and expresses confidence in his team's readiness to compete at the highest level, aiming to prove their worth in the Champions League.