Atletico Madrid Reportedly Joins Race to Sign Nigerian Star Amid Barcelona, Napoli Interest
- Atletico Madrid have reportedly opened talks with Atalanta as they hope to sign Ademola Lookman this summer
- Barcelona and Napoli are perceived strong contenders for the Super agles star, with Arsenal said to be looking
- Atalanta has valued the CAF Player of the Year at €40‑50 million, with Atletico’s budget likely to play a role
Atletico Madrid have reportedly begun negotiations for Ademola Lookman, whose stock has soared since he joined Atalanta three seasons ago.
Diego Simeone’s team are known for rarely wasting time once a target is identified, and their pursuit of the Nigerian forward is no different.
Source: Getty Images
Per Transfermarkt statistics, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year struck 20 goals across all competitions last season and famously recorded a hat‑trick in the Europa League final, propelling Atalanta to their first major European trophy.
According to transfer experts, manager of Atletico Madrid, Simoene believes Lookman could fit straight into either flank of his 3‑5‑2 formation as he plans to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for major honours in the new season.
Crucially, Lookman is under contract until 2027, granting Atalanta the leverage to demand a sizable transfer fee, but Atletico’s smooth working relationship may shave vital euros off any final agreement for the Nigerian's services.
Ademola Lookman: Barcelona and Napoli in race
Competition for Lookman is looking fierce. Barcelona, fresh from the disappointment of losing Nico Williams to Athletic Bilbao’s renewal, have reportedly revived internal discussions around the Nigerian's name.
Meanwhile, newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli are said to be viewing the Super Eagles forward as the ideal successor to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after his departure to UEFA Champions League kings Paris Saint-Germain.
Lookman averaged a direct goal contribution every 117 minutes in Italy last term, eclipsing most wingers in Europe’s top five leagues. Napoli could offer him top-tier football, while Barcelona can promise a global spotlight.
Source: Getty Images
Budget could decide Ademola Lookman’s destination
Atalanta has reportedly set a €40‑50 million valuation for Lookman, but Atletico’s transfer purse is not limitless, Mundo Deportivo reported.
Club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has earmarked the bulk of the summer budget for Tottenham centre‑back Cristian Romero - a move of €60 mil‑plus.
If Spurs refuse to budge, Atletico may redirect funds fully toward Lookman, yet they are reportedly determined not to be drawn into a bidding war.
Barcelona’s well‑documented Financial Fair Play restraints complicate any outright cash offer, potentially forcing a structured deal with players in exchange.
On the other hand, Napoli’s finances are buoyant after their Scudetto win, but president Aurelio De Laurentiis is shrewd and may wait for Atalanta to soften their stance.
Arsenal, said to be watching developments, reportedly prefer Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if he is available, making their Lookman interest more contingent than concrete.
Meanwhile, Goal quoted a report by Sky in France that Tottenham could make an outside move to sign Lookman, following the departure of Mohammed Kudus.
Expert: club should avoid signing Lookman
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lookman leaving Atalanta this summer is almost certain to go through.
An Italian football expert warned one of the interested clubs to desist from signing the Nigerian.
He believed the champion club should look beyond the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
