Tottenham enter Lookman transfer race
Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta when the summer transfer window opens, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The North London club are set to battle Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea for the signature of the 27-year-old CAF Player of The Year, with an offer of around €45m (£37m) plus performance-based bonuses expected to be tabled.
Spurs, who have scouted the player extensively in recent months, view Lookman as an ideal acquisition to bolster their attacking options following a turbulent season.
According to Fichajes, the club are keen to strengthen their forward line as players like Richarlison and Timo Werner are expected to depart in the summer.
Lookman has been in scintillating form for Atalanta this season, netting 17 goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. His impressive displays have caught the attention of several Premier League giants, with his versatility to operate across the front three making him a particularly attractive prospect.
The former Everton player’s camp has made it clear that his main desire is to return to the Premier League, where he previously played before joining RB Leipzig and eventually making his way to Atalanta in 2022.
Liverpool are also monitoring Lookman’s situation as they prepare for a potential attacking overhaul amid uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield. Sky Sports Switzerland reports that the Reds have already made concrete steps towards signing the Nigerian international, viewing him as a potential replacement for their Egyptian talisman.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to add more quality and depth to their attacking unit, having been overly reliant on Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer this season.
Atalanta’s management would reportedly prefer to sell the player outside of Italy, which gives an advantage to English teams.
However, sources suggest the Italian club may demand up to €65m (£53.8m) for the forward who has been labelled as a “truly extraordinary player”.
Lookman’s stock rose dramatically last season when he scored a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, before going on to lead Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
His relationship with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly become strained following a public disagreement last month.
With Lookman entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer, though Atalanta have the option to extend his deal by an additional year, the final decision will rest with the Italian club, whether to accept the €45m offer plus bonuses or keep their star player.
