PUNCH
Spanish giants Real Madrid have joined in the race for in-form Ademola Lookman, with the UEFA Champions League holders hoping to bring the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabeu as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, The PUNCH reports.
Lookman has been in scintillating form since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35m plus bonuses, amassing 39 goals and providing 23 assists in 90 competitive appearances for the Italian side, and has been linked with a host of top European clubs.
The 27-year-old was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in August, with Sports Zone reporting that the player had reached personal agreement with the French giants.
Last season, Lookman featured in 45 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists. His standout moment came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted a stunning hat-trick to secure the trophy for Atalanta.
He has not shown any sign of slowing down this season and has chipped in seven goals and provided five assists from 12 appearances.
Though Atalanta were able to hold on to the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, they may be forced to cash in on him any time soon, with several top clubs vying for his signature following another impressive season.
Madrid are preparing for a possible departure of their star forward Vinicius, with Al-Hilal reportedly preparing a record-breaking €300m bid for the Brazilian, whose transfer fee could eclipse Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes vía El Futbolero, the Saudi Pro League club are eyeing Vinicius as a marquee addition and potential replacement for Neymar, who could leave Al-Hilal by season’s end.
The Los Blancos have turned their attention to Lookman as a strong candidate to fill the void should the deal for the Brazilian go through.
“Faced with uncertainty over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal, the Merengues have set their sights on a promising Serie A talent. Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta, has emerged as one of the main options to take the Brazilian’s place should he decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu,” the website wrote.
“Lookman’s qualities make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack. His versatility to play on both wings, his speed, and his dribbling ability make him an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations. In addition, his ability to link up with his teammates and create dangerous plays makes him a perfect complement to Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play.”