Atalanta insist on Lookman’s mega price tag
Atalanta have made it clear that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will only leave the club this summer if a suitable offer is placed on the table, with the Serie A side refusing to entertain any negotiations below their valuation, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Italian newspaper Le Bombe di Vlad, the Bergamo-based club are not shutting the door on Lookman’s exit, but have placed a significant price tag of between €45m and €50m on the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
“Atalanta have already drawn a very clear line: Lookman will only leave Zingonia in the event of a major offer, well above €30m,” the report read.
“The valuation is between €4m5 and €50m, a figure justified by the player’s consistent performance, including his impact in big matches last season.”
The Italian outlet further noted that despite interest from several top European sides including Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Napoli, none has submitted an offer that meets Atalanta’s demands.
Barcelona reportedly view Lookman as a plug-and-play reinforcement for their frontline, but their approach fell short of expectations. Arsenal, who are in the market for a winger, have revived their interest in the former RB Leipzig forward, while Napoli have emerged as a late contender. Juventus, meanwhile, are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Still, Atalanta remain unshaken in their stance. The club are under no pressure to sell and maintain that Lookman remains central to their technical project, especially under new manager Ivan Juric. The Nigerian still has two years left on his contract and has not pushed for a move.
“The club is in no hurry to sell and considers the player to be a key figure in the team’s plans,” Le Bombe di Vlad added.
“Lookman himself has not demanded a transfer and remains focused on the Atalanta project, although a call from a top European club could lead him to consider a new adventure.”
Since joining Atalanta in 2022, the Super Eagles star has been in scintillating form, scoring 55 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions. He netted a famous hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, helping the club secure a historic European title.
His goal involvement over three seasons, including 20 goals and seven assists in the just-concluded 2024/25 campaign, places him statistically ahead of other highly rated targets such as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, both of whom are also being courted by Arsenal.
However, the Gunners are yet to fully commit to the Lookman move, with his name believed to be third on their priority list for wide attacking reinforcements.
Despite Atalanta reportedly securing a replacement forward, club executives are unwilling to lower their asking price. As Le Bombe di Vlad concluded, “Lookman’s departure is being considered only as an exceptional option. If any club truly wants to take him away from Bergamo, they must prove it with an offer that leaves no room for doubt.”
Source: Punch
