Atalanta
has set a €50 million price tag on Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman due to growing interest from Juventus. The Berghamo team is prepared to sell one of their top assets this summer as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Reportedly, Juventus is keen on bolstering their forward lineup during this transfer period and has set Lookman as a top priority.
The player, who is 27 years old, concluded an impressive campaign with Atalanta, netting 20 goals and contributing seven assists over 40 matches in total. In the preceding season, his performances aided the club from Italy secure their maiden European title, highlighted by a remarkable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final.
As reported by Tutto Mercato, Atalanta is willing to let him go and would consider offers ranging from approximately €40 million to €50 million. According to the report, although the club does not necessarily have to sell, they are prepared to release one of their top players.
“Atlético Madrid is very likely to finalize a significant transfer deal this summer, with Lookman being the most probable player to leave,” according to reports from an Italian source.
The club is considering offers ranging from €40m to €50m for him, as he remains the highest-profile overseas player after scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final.
The publication mentioned that Lookman was eager to depart last summer when Paris Saint-Germain submitted an unsuccessful bid of €20 million, which fell significantly short of Atalanta’s then valuation between €40 million and €50 million.
This number hasn’t changed this year according to Tutto Mercato, yet the London-born Nigerian continues to put up an impressive performance. As a result, he has emerged as one of Europe’s top forwards being pursued by leading clubs. These teams are anticipated to come forward with stronger bids for him.
Tutto Mercato added, ‘Despite having two more years remaining on his contract, Lookman continues to be one of Atalanta’s key performers. Even after missing a penalty against Club Brugge, he still stands as their primary offensive threat.’
They additionally mentioned that interest from Juventus might become more intense if Turkish prodigy Kenan Yildiz leaves the team, since he is viewed as an immediate substitute with confirmed expertise in Serie A and versatility in playing positions up front.
This move follows reports indicating that Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has set retaining Lookman as a prerequisite for extending his contract. As reported by Calciomercato, Gasperini informed the team that he will stay on condition that they keep at least two out of Lookman, Ederson, or Mateo Retegui before the start of the upcoming season.
Arsenal are said to have identified him as their top transfer priority over Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as they seek to bolster their offensive capabilities. The Gunners join an elite group of five Premier League teams intending to engage in discussions with the Nigerian forward, which includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United.
Serie A side Napoli have also identified Lookman as a key attacking target, with sporting director Giovanni Manna preparing a formal attempt to secure his services as the club prepares for their return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid has initiated talks with Lookman’s representatives; however, they apparently consider Atalanta’s price tag too high.
In the meantime, midfielder Ederson has been connected with transfers to teams like Juventus, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Meanwhile, striker Retegui is rumored to be considering possible moves to clubs such as Chelsea or Arsenal.
The striker for the Super Eagles, who arrived back in Lagos on Monday bearing the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) African Footballer of the Year accolade amid a grand reception, has experienced an astounding metamorphosis since his previous stints in the English Premier League. While playing for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, he scored only 11 goals across 96 matches; however, his performance at Atalanta stands out significantly.
Given that Lookman came of age in England and began his professional journey there, he might prefer returning to the Premier League. Nonetheless, joining Juventus presents a tempting opportunity due to the club’s prestige; however, their ongoing issues with frequent coaching turnovers may raise some doubts.
Despite remaining competitive, Barcelona faces challenges due to their widely known fiscal problems, which could hinder their ability to vie with wealthier English clubs for Lookman’s signing.
The striker’s path to international acclaim was marked by his crucial contributions as Nigeria advanced to the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, succeeded by an impressive Europa League-winning season.
As one of Europe’s standout players, Lookman now confronts the task of demonstrating his worth at a more prominent club where he can consistently participate in top-tier tournaments and vie for significant honors.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
