Atalanta have placed a €50 million price tag on Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman amid rising interest from Juventus, with the Bergamo club ready to cash in on one of their most prized assets this summer.
Juventus are reportedly eager to strengthen their attacking line-up in the current transfer window and have identified Lookman as a prime target.
The 27-year-old is coming off a phenomenal season with Atalanta, scoring 20 goals and supplying seven assists across 40 appearances in all competitions. His form in the previous season helped the Italian side clinch their first-ever European trophy, with a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final.
According to Tutto Mercato, Atalanta are open to selling him and will only entertain offers in the region of €40 million to €50 million. The report stated that while the club do not need to sell, they are preparing to part ways with one of their standout performers.
,’Atalanta will almost certainly complete a major sale this summer, with Lookman the most likely candidate to depart’, the Italian outlet reported.
‘The club listens to offers between €40 million to €50 million, he is the most high-profile player abroad following his Europa League final hat-trick’.
The publication added that Lookman was already keen to leave last summer when Paris Saint-Germain made an unsuccessful €20 million approach, well below Atalanta’s €40 million–€50 million valuation at the time.
That figure remains unchanged this year per Tutto Mercato, but with the London-born Nigerian having delivered another stellar campaign, he has become one of Europe’s most sought-after attackers, sparking transfer interest from elite clubs, some of whom are expected to present more competitive offers.
Tutto Mercato added, ‘Lookman still has two years left on his contract, but he has long been one of Atalanta’s most influential players. Despite missing a penalty against Club Brugge, he remains their leading attacking figure’.
They also said interest from Juventus is likely to intensify if Turkish starlet Kenan Yildiz departs the club, as he is seen as a ready-made replacement with proven Serie A experience and the ability to operate across the frontline.
This development comes amid reports that Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has made keeping Lookman one of the conditions for signing a contract extension. According to Calciomercato, Gasperini has told the club he will only remain if at least two of Lookman, Ederson or Mateo Retegui are retained ahead of the new season.
Arsenal have reportedly made him their primary transfer target ahead of Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as they look to strengthen their attacking options. The Gunners are among five Premier League clubs planning to hold talks with the Nigeria international, alongside 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.
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid have opened discussions with Lookman’s representatives, although they reportedly view Atalanta’s valuation as steep.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ederson has been linked with moves to Juventus, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, whilst striker Retegui faces speculation about potential switches to Chelsea or Arsenal.
The Super Eagles forward, who returned to Lagos on Monday carrying the CAF African Footballer of the Year award to a hero’s welcome, has undergone a remarkable transformation since his earlier Premier League spells. During his time with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, he managed just 11 goals in 96 appearances, but his record at Atalanta has been far more impressive.
Since Lookman grew up in England and spent the early years of his career there, he would likely favour a return to the Premier League. However, Juventus represent an attractive option as a big club, though their current instability with frequent managerial changes could be a concern.
Barcelona remain in the mix but their well-documented financial difficulties may prevent them from competing with cash-rich Premier League sides for Lookman’s signature.
The forward’s journey to continental recognition saw him play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by his sensational Europa League-winning campaign.
As one of the toasts of Europe, Lookman faces the challenge of proving himself at a bigger club where he can compete regularly in elite competitions and challenge for major titles.
