Atlético Madrid step up chase for Super Eagles star who was a flop in England

The Super Eagles forward will be one of the main transfer attractions when top European clubs whip out their purses for purchases in the summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is poised for a high-profile summer transfer, with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid among the clubs vying for his signature.

Despite having a contract with Atalanta that runs until June 2027, the Nigerian international is expected to depart Bergamo at the end of the season.

The Serie A club are reportedly willing to sell the 27-year-old if their €60 million (£51.5m) valuation is met, with several European powerhouses monitoring the situation.

According to Spanish outlet Marca via Les-transferts, Atlético Madrid have already opened discussions with Lookman’s representatives.

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While Diego Simeone’s side reportedly believe Atalanta’s asking price is steep, they are seriously considering a move after being impressed by Lookman’s prolific campaign.

The former Charlton Athletic winger has scored 18 goals and supplied seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.

Lookman’s resurgence in Italy comes after an underwhelming spell in English football.

He scored just four times in 48 matches for Everton after arriving in 2017 and endured further struggles during loan stints at Fulham and Leicester City.

However, his form has flourished since joining Atalanta permanently from RB Leipzig in 2022, racking up 50 goals and 22 assists in 110 appearances.

Manchester United in the race for Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman

Atlético Madrid are not the only club interested in Lookman, with a number of elite Premier League clubs also linked with the Nigeria international.

Manchester United, led by incoming boss Ruben Amorim, are said to be keen on Lookman as they plan an attacking overhaul.

With question marks over the futures of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Christian Eriksen, United are eager to add firepower alongside Rasmus Højlund.

Amorim is said to favour Joshua Zirkzee in a deeper role, but Lookman’s versatility and form have made him a viable option.

Several Premier League clubs — including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Aston Villa — are also reportedly interested in bringing the Super Eagles star back to England.

Barcelona have also been credited with interest but could struggle to match the financial demands involved in a deal.

Tensions with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini may have accelerated Lookman’s exit.

After a missed penalty in a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, Gasperini harshly criticised the forward, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”

Lookman responded with a public statement on Instagram, voicing his disappointment.

With interest mounting, a summer move for the in-form Nigerian appears inevitable.