Atalanta could be tempted into selling Ademola Lookman under the right circumstances this summer, but Napoli will be hard-pressed to match La Dea’s current valuation of the reigning African Player of the Year.
Lookman is of interest to Napoli ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for the Partenopei, who have begun proceedings with the arrival of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer.
Advertisement
Lookman is a player who is admired by those in Naples, but Atalanta’s asking price for the 27-year-old could complicate matters for the Partenopei.
epa11761239 Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan, in Bergamo, Italy, 06 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
Lookman price tag revealed for Napoli
Lookman is not considered ‘unsellable’ as things stand in Bergamo, however, Atalanta will seek a fee in excess of €50m for his services this summer, Football Italia understands. That is not including add-ons and not including any potential players in exchange.
While Napoli are fond of Lookman, they are aware that €50m is a fairly significant fee for a player who is close to the age of 30 than he is to 25.
epa11919188 Celebrations after the 0-4 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match of Empoli FC against Atalanta BC, in Empoli, Italy, 23 February 2025. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI
And, while Napoli could potentially offer Atalanta a player-plus-cash exchange, La Dea’s priority is to raise as much profit as possible from Lookman’s sale.
Advertisement
That does not exclude the possibility of negotiations between Napoli and Atalanta this summer, but a deal between the two clubs looks complicated as things stand. There is still interest in the Nigeria international from a number of Premier League clubs as well.
The 27-year-old chipped in with 20 goals and seven assists from 40 appearances across all competitions this season, adding to his tally of 17 goals and 10 assists in 2023-24, a season that won him the African Player of the Year award.
