Spanish club Athletico Madrid have reportedly entered the race to sign 2024 African Best Player Ademola Lookman.
Ademola Lookman is reportedly being pursued by top clubs in Europe with Atalanta willing to sell Lookman if their €60 million (£51.5 million) valuation is met, and several European powerhouses are monitoring the situation.
Despite having a contract with Atalanta that runs until June 2027, Lookman is open to leaving Bergamo at the end of the season.
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According to Spanish outlet Marca via Les-transferts, Atlético Madrid are in talks with Lookman’s representatives.
Although Diego Simeone’s side reportedly believes Atalanta’s asking price is steep, they are seriously considering a move after being impressed by Lookman’s successful campaign.
The former Charlton Athletic winger has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.
Lookman’s resurgence in Italy follows an underwhelming spell in English football. The Nigerian striker scored just four times in 48 matches for Everton after arriving in 2017 and faced further struggles during loan stints at Fulham and Leicester City.
However, there has been a significant improvement in his performance since joining Atalanta permanently from RB Leipzig in 2022, netting 50 goals and providing 22 assists in 110 appearances.
Super Eagles Ademola Lookman won the Europa League with Atalanta. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
In this pursuit, Atlético Madrid is not the only club interested in Lookman, as several elite Premier League clubs are also vying for the Nigeria international.
Manchester United, led by proactive coach Ruben Amorim, is said to have a keen interest in Lookman as part of their attacking overhaul.
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With uncertainties surrounding the futures of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Christian Eriksen, the Red Devils aim to add more firepower alongside Rasmus Højlund. While Amorim may prefer Joshua Zirkzee in a deeper role, Lookman’s versatility and current form have made him a strong option.
