Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is emerging as one of the most sought-after players ahead of the summer transfer window. Several elite European clubs are preparing to launch bids for the Atalanta star, according to Soccernet.ng.
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid are currently leading the race for his signature. Although Lookman has a contract with Atalanta that runs until June 2027, multiple reports suggest he is set to leave Bergamo after the season ends.
Atalanta have reportedly placed a €60 million (£51.5m) price tag on Lookman. Despite the hefty fee, several top clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation closely.
Atlético Madrid Begin Talks as Lookman Shines in Italy
Marca, via Les-transferts, reports that Atlético Madrid have already begun discussions with Lookman’s representatives. Manager Diego Simeone and his team are impressed by Lookman’s form this season and are seriously weighing a summer move.
The Nigerian international has delivered 18 goals and seven assists in 37 matches across all competitions. That kind of output has placed him firmly on the radar of top scouts.
Lookman’s resurgence in Italy follows a difficult spell in English football. He scored only four times in 48 matches for Everton and failed to impress during loan stints at Fulham and Leicester City.
His career took a sharp upward turn after moving to Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. Since then, he has scored 50 goals and provided 22 assists in 110 appearances for the Serie A side.
Atlético Madrid aren’t alone in the race. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa all have eyes on the Nigerian forward.
Incoming United boss Ruben Amorim is especially keen. He plans to reshape the club’s attack, with question marks hanging over Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Christian Eriksen. While Amorim prefers Joshua Zirkzee in a deeper role, he sees Lookman as a strong attacking option thanks to his form and versatility.
Barcelona also admire Lookman but may struggle to meet Atalanta’s financial demands.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, things have become tense between Lookman and Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. After Lookman missed a penalty in a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, Gasperini publicly slammed him, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.” Lookman later responded on Instagram, expressing disappointment at the criticism.
With friction growing and interest soaring, a summer transfer for Lookman seems increasingly likely. The in-form Super Eagles star is now expected to headline one of the biggest transfer stories of 2025.
