Barcelona and Juventus have already opened talks with representatives of Ademola Lookman, but several Premier League heavyweights are expected to follow suit as interest in the Atalanta forward intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all reportedly preparing to contact the Nigerian international’s camp in the coming weeks, as Lookman’s stock continues to rise after a standout season .
The 27-year-old has been one of Europe’s most prolific forwards this term, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions. His performances have solidified his status as a top target for clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.
Barcelona have already made contact with the Lookman
Despite having a contract at Atalanta until June 2027, Italian media believe Lookman is likely to leave Bergamo this summer. The club values him at over €60 million, a figure that could prove problematic for financially constrained Barcelona. According to CaughtOffside, the Catalan side have initiated contact but may struggle to meet Atalanta’s demands due to their ongoing economic challenges.
Premier League interest in Lookman has grown steadily throughout the season. All of the aforementioned English clubs have been closely monitoring his form, with scouts regularly attending Atalanta matches. Many view Lookman as a more mature, well-rounded player than the one who previously featured for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City.
During his earlier stint in England, Lookman managed just 11 goals in 96 appearances. However, his time in Italy has been transformative. Since joining Atalanta, he has scored 50 goals in 115 games—an impressive return that reflects his development into a consistent attacking threat.
His defining moment came in the 2024 Europa League final, where he scored a stunning hat-trick to sink Bayer Leverkusen and secure Atalanta’s first European title. That performance, on one of the biggest stages in club football, served as a reminder of his quality and composure under pressure.
Manchester United are believed to be especially keen on Lookman as they look to revamp a struggling frontline. The Red Devils have scored just 39 goals in 34 Premier League matches this season and are actively seeking dynamic forwards who can inject pace and creativity.
One potential scenario being explored is a swap deal involving Rasmus Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million. According to EPL Index, the Dane could be offered back to his former club as part of a package to land Lookman. Højlund has struggled to adapt at Old Trafford, scoring just nine goals in 46 appearances across all competitions, and United may be open to cutting their losses.
The Sun reports that Højlund is still highly regarded by Atalanta fans and remains on the club’s radar. Scouts have been sent to observe him in recent matches, and discussions with his representatives are ongoing, should United be willing to greenlight a return.
With Christopher Vivell now overseeing recruitment at Manchester United, Lookman has emerged as a top priority. His direct style, versatility, and end product are seen as key qualities that could rejuvenate United’s blunt attack.
Whether United’s lack of European football next season would deter Lookman remains uncertain, but sources close to the player suggest he is open to a Premier League return. After three impressive seasons in Italy, the former Charlton Academy graduate is eager to prove himself once again in England—this time as a more complete and confident forward.
As the summer window approaches, the race to sign Lookman is heating up. With multiple top clubs circling and Atalanta ready to negotiate, the Nigerian international is set to be at the center of one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the year.