Atalanta have slapped a €50 million valuation on their Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, as Serie A champions Napoli circle with growing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.According to Football Italia, Antonio Conte, newly appointed as Napoli’s manager, is eager to add Lookman to his attacking options as he reshapes the squad for a title defense. But the price tag is already raising eyebrows in Naples.Napoli are said to view the €50m demand as steep — particularly given Lookman’s age.
The 27-year-old will be 28 in October, which the club reportedly sees as edging closer to the latter part of a player’s peak years.Despite the financial concern, Lookman’s numbers speak volumes. The Super Eagles winger enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
The season before, he delivered 17 goals and 10 assists, proving his consistency and growth in Italian football.While Napoli are weighing up a player-plus-cash offer to reduce the upfront cost, Atalanta are reportedly uninterested in any swap deals. The Bergamo club wants a straight cash transfer to capitalise on Lookman’s high market value — especially after his match-winning hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, which sent his profile soaring.
Lookman’s form, combined with his versatility on the wing and experience in top leagues including England, Germany, and now Italy, makes him one of the most in-demand African players in Europe this summer.
Whether Napoli will meet Atalanta’s valuation or shift focus remains to be seen, but with Conte keen to reinforce his frontline, negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
