Atlético Madrid has emerged as a serious contender for Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, eyeing a €35m summer swoop for the Atalanta star. According to reports from Marca, the Spanish giants consider the 28-year-old winger a primary target to refresh their offensive lineup. The news coincides with aggressive moves from Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, whose top executives are reportedly traveling to Italy to negotiate a loan-to-buy agreement at the same valuation. Lookman apparently informed Atalanta of his desire for a new challenge immediately after returning from a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
Atalanta officials have notably softened their stance, reducing their financial demands from a rigid €50m to a more realistic €35m. This pivot follows a tense summer where the Bergamo-based side blocked Lookman’s potential move to Inter Milan by citing his high release clause. With approximately 18 months remaining on his contract, the Italian club now appears willing to negotiate to prevent their star asset from entering the final year of his deal and potentially leaving for free in 2027.
While transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirms Diego Simeone’s long-standing admiration for Lookman, the race remains wide open with multiple elite suitors. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly been lobbying for his compatriot to join him in Istanbul, while reigning Serie A champions Napoli have intensified their own inquiry. Despite earlier interest, a group of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea recently opted out of the running, leaving a clear path for a continental or Turkish move. Lookman’s elite pedigree remains undisputed after he recorded three goals and four assists at AFCON, following his historic hat-trick that secured the 2024 Europa League title.
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