The UEFA Champions League winners are attempting to lure the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabeu as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior, and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid has entered the hunt for the in-form Ademola Lookman, according to The PUNCH.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35 million plus bonuses, Lookman has been in incredible form. In 90 competitive games for the Italian team, he has scored 39 goals and provided 23 assists, and he has been linked to several elite European clubs.
After reaching a personal agreement with the French powerhouse, Sports Zone reported that the 27-year-old was on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain in August.
Lookman played in 45 games last season, with 10 assists and 17 goals. He scored an incredible hat-trick to win the trophy for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, which was his most memorable moment.
He has made 12 appearances this season, contributing seven goals and five assists, and he has not shown any signs of slowing down.
Several elite clubs are fighting for the Nigerian’s signature after another stellar season, so even if Atalanta managed to cling onto him throughout the summer transfer window, they could have to cash in on him soon.
With Al-Hilal apparently preparing a record-breaking €300 million bid for the Brazilian, whose transfer value might surpass Neymar’s €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017, Madrid is getting ready for the potential departure of its star forward Vinicius.
The Saudi Pro League team is considering Vinicius as a marquee addition and possible replacement for Neymar, who may depart Al-Hilal at the end of the season, according to Spanish publication Fichajes vía El Futbolero.
In the event that the agreement for the Brazilian is finalized, Lookman has emerged as a formidable contender to take Lookman’s place.
The Merengues have their sights set on a promising Serie A player in light of the uncertainties surrounding Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal. The website stated that one of the top candidates to replace the Brazilian should he choose to leave the Santiago Bernabéu is Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta.
“Lookman is a perfect fit to bolster Real Madrid’s assault because of his attributes. He is a very dangerous player in one-on-one scenarios because of his speed, ability to play on both flanks, and dribbling skills. Additionally, he is a wonderful fit for Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play because of his ability to connect with teammates and generate dangerous plays.
The Nigerian is valued at €60 million, which Madrid will have no trouble paying, according to Transfermarkt.
Lookman was named the 14th greatest player in the world at the recent Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris. He is also seen as the front-runner for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year title.
