Barcelona and Juventus have already held talks with Ademola Lookman’s representatives, but Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are also expected to contact the player’s entourage soon, The PUNCH reports.
Lookman will be in high demand over the summer after scoring 18 goals across all competitions with Atalanta this season, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
His contract at the Gewiss Stadium expires in June 2027, but Italian media are confident that the Nigerian star will leave Bergamo at the end of the current season.
According to CaughtOffside, Barcelona have already contacted the striker’s entourage, but the Catalans’ financial issues may prevent them from matching Atalanta’s asking price, which exceeds €60m.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Arsenal have also been monitoring the player this season, and they’ll all reportedly make contact with the striker’s agents soon.
Lookman has enjoyed a remarkable transformation since his earlier Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, where he scored just 11 goals in 96 appearances. His record at Atalanta has been far more impressive, having netted 50 goals in 115 matches across all competitions with La Dea.
The 27-year-old’s memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen further highlighted his quality on the biggest stage, and he has maintained that form with 18 goals and seven assists in 37 games this season.
Manchester United, who have struggled offensively this season with just 39 goals in 34 Premier League matches, are reportedly considering a bold swap deal involving Danish striker Rasmus Højlund.
According to EPL Index, United could offer Højlund back to his former club Atalanta as part of a deal to secure Lookman’s services. Højlund joined the Red Devils for £72m in 2023 but has failed to meet expectations, scoring just nine goals in 46 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Sun reports that Højlund remains a firm favourite among Atalanta supporters, and the Serie A outfit are ready to make a move for the striker if United decide to cut their losses. It’s understood that Atalanta have sent scouts to watch the Dane in recent Manchester United games and remain in touch with the player’s representatives.
For United supporters, the prospect of adding a player with Lookman’s pace, flair and directness would represent a significant upgrade on their current attacking options as new director of recruitment Christopher Vivell looks to address the club’s persistent goalscoring problems.
It remains unknown whether Lookman’s potential move would be affected if United fail to qualify for European competition next season, though sources suggest the Nigeria international is keen to return to England after three successful years in Italy.
