Former Super Eagles captain Uche Okechukwu has endorsed a potential move to Juventus or Napoli for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, amid mounting speculation over the Atalanta forward’s future, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Lookman is attracting serious interest from top clubs across Europe following his standout campaign with Atalanta, where he scored 20 goals and registered six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
With a contract running until June 2027, Atalanta are reportedly open to offers, valuing the African Player of the Year at around €50m.
In an interview with Africa Foot, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner expressed confidence that Lookman would thrive at either of the Italian heavyweights, citing his familiarity with Serie A and the stature of the clubs.
“Napoli and Juventus are perfect projects for Lookman,” Okechukwu said.
“He has been in Italy for a while now and understands the league. These are two of the biggest clubs in the country with great ambitions, both domestically and in Europe. He’s a team player, strong, fast, and he scores goals. I don’t see why he wouldn’t succeed at either club.”
Okechukwu, who played for Fenerbahçe after stints in the NPFL and was part of Nigeria’s golden generation, advised caution regarding media reports but believes the forward is deserving of such high-profile links.
“I don’t want to speak with finality because at the moment, all we have are media reports and tabloids. But if he should join Napoli or Juventus, I’m fully convinced he’d shine, given the nature of football there. He’s a top forward, and it’s no surprise he’s being linked with the best teams in Europe,” he added.
Lookman has enjoyed resurgence since moving to Italy, following underwhelming spells in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, where he scored only 11 goals in 96 appearances. At Atalanta, he has transformed into one of the continent’s most lethal attackers, netting 52 goals and recording 21 assists in 118 games.
His stock rose further after a starring role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and a historic Europa League title with Atalanta, where he scored a sensational hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli have emerged as frontrunners for his signature, although Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are also monitoring the forward. Arsenal are understood to have prioritised Lookman over Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
While Juventus offer prestige and history, the club’s current instability with frequent managerial changes may weigh on Lookman’s decision. Napoli, on the other hand, are planning for a return to the UEFA Champions League and view the Nigerian as a key attacking reinforcement. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is reportedly preparing a formal approach for the forward.
Spanish outfit Atlético Madrid have also opened talks with the player’s representatives, though Atalanta’s valuation could prove a stumbling block given the La Liga club’s tighter financial limits. Meanwhile, Barcelona remain interested but are unlikely to compete financially with Premier League sides due to ongoing economic constraints.
