Napoli are set to intensify their attempts to sign Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman amid competition from English giants Arsenal and Spanish side Atletico Madrid, amid Victor Osimhen’s anticipated departure to Galatasaray.
With a significant cash injection expected from Osimhen’s exit this summer, the Serie A giants are planning to strengthen both their attacking and wide options and Sky Sport reports that Lookman is one of the names on their radar.
The Atalanta winger, who dazzled in the 2024 Europa League final with a hat-trick, is reportedly being lined up as a crucial signing alongside a striker.
Lookman’s stock has soared since his legendary hat-trick performance in the 2024 Europa League final. The 27-year-old winger is under contract with Atalanta until 2027 and is currently valued at around €50 million (£43 million/$49 million).
Napoli are interested in bringing the Nigeria international to fill the void left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but they face stiff competition in the chase.
Arsenal have long admired Lookman and are exploring the option to bring him back to the Premier League, while West Ham and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring his situation.
Napoli may have a crucial advantage in the race. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, who spoke on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, the Super Eagles star has ruled out a return to the English Premier League this summer, despite growing interest from West Ham United and Arsenal.
‘The player does not want to return to the Premier League’, Moretto revealed.
‘But much will depend on the offers that come in’.
This development could boost Napoli’s chances, particularly as they compete with Atletico Madrid, who are also exploring a move for the 27-year-old as they look to reshape their attack following Ángel Correa’s exit.
Moretto confirmed that the Spanish club are closely monitoring Lookman’s situation, particularly after recent dealings with Atalanta over Matteo Ruggeri reopened communication lines between both clubs.
‘Atletico Madrid are very interested and continue to monitor the situation carefully’, he said.
The transfer expert described Lookman’s €50 million valuation as a significant figure that only a few clubs may be willing to meet.
‘Let’s now talk about Atalanta and in particular Ademola Lookman, who had an excellent season’, Moretto added.
‘I’ll give you two pieces of information, the first concerns the price, with Atalanta valuing Lookman at around €50 million. That’s an important amount, and it will be interesting to see who will be willing to invest such a sum for the attacking winger’.
Despite his reluctance to return to England, where he previously played for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, making 96 league appearances and contributing 17 goal involvements, Lookman’s evolution in Serie A has significantly raised his profile.
Arsenal’s interest has been complicated by their reluctance to meet Atalanta’s asking price. According to The Athletic, Arsenal have discussed the possibility of signing Lookman during the ongoing summer transfer window as they aim to strengthen their forward department for the 2025/26 campaign.
The London club have been put off by the £52 million valuation for the Nigeria international and have only shown willingness to pay £43 million. The Gunners are reportedly prioritising Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who considers Arsenal as an ‘absolute priority’ and is prepared to join if a deal can be struck with Los Blancos.
Napoli may make an official move once Osimhen’s transfer is finalised, but competition for Lookman’s signature is expected to intensify in the coming days. Atletico have reportedly begun early talks with his camp and are willing to meet Atalanta’s asking price.
