By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 27, 2024

West Ham United have entered the race to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, joining Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid in pursuing the Nigerian international.

The Premier League club is reportedly monitoring the winger ahead of a potential January move, as Atalanta are said to value the player at over £60m.

Lookman’s performances this season have cemented his status as one of Europe’s top attacking talents, with nine goals and five assists in 15 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.

His consistent displays have attracted interest from several elite clubs, including Manchester United and PSG, both of whom tabled bids during the summer transfer window.

Italian journalist Paolo Paganini recently confirmed that PSG’s interest in Lookman remains strong. “He is on Paris Saint-Germain’s shopping list, but it remains to be seen if Atalanta can do without someone like Lookman in January,” Paganini said.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are preparing to rival PSG for Lookman’s signature in the summer, according to reports.

United manager Ruben Amorim has identified the Nigerian as a key target for his rebuilding project at Old Trafford, while PSG see Lookman as central to maintaining their domestic dominance and European ambitions.

Lookman’s meteoric rise since his €15m move to Atalanta in 2022 has been remarkable. The 27-year-old forward made headlines last season with a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a European Cup final.

His exploits also earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings and nominations for prestigious awards, including the CAF Men’s Player of the Year and the Globe Soccer Awards’ Best Men’s Player.

Despite having a contract with Atalanta until 2026, Lookman is reportedly open to a new challenge, and the club could consider selling him as he enters the final 18 months of his deal. The potential transfer fee, expected to surpass £60m, would likely set a new African transfer record, breaking the €83m Napoli paid for Victor Osimhen.

West Ham’s interest adds another layer of intrigue to the transfer saga. A return to the Premier League, where Lookman began his professional career with Charlton Athletic and Everton, could appeal to the London-born player.

However, the Hammers face stiff competition from PSG’s financial muscle and United’s rebuilding ambitions, with Real Madrid also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Atalanta’s position in negotiations remains strong, but the player’s desire for a fresh challenge and the mounting interest from Europe’s top clubs could see Lookman leave the Gewiss Stadium in a high-profile transfer. The January window promises to intensify the battle for one of football’s most sought-after talents.

Source Punch Ng

Posted November 27, 2024

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