Atlético Madrid Step Up Chase for Ademola Lookman Amid Summer Overhaul

Atlético Madrid remain interested in signing winger Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, even after securing Thiago Almada, as the Spanish side prepare for further departures in their squad.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Recent discussions with Lookman have been held by the team. Following Thiago Almada’s arrival, Lookman has emerged as the preferred candidate. Ángel Correa is expected to leave, which will open up a spot in the attack. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, is attracting interest from all over Europe thanks to his dynamic play, and as a result, Atlético have stepped up their negotiations with him. However, the price Atlético will have to pay to complete a deal is contingent on Atalanta’s asking price. While the Italian club is demanding £44 million ($53 million) for Lookman, Atletico are eager to lower this price before moving forward with a deal.

According to a previous report, Atlético Madrid is in advanced talks to sign Thiago Almada for a fee potentially between €15 million and €20 million.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lookman is in high demand as clubs from all over Europe gear up for a thrilling transfer window. He is being courted by Barcelona and Napoli, who are considering moves that could have a profound impact on the upcoming season. Despite having signed Almada earlier this week, pursuing Lookman further demonstrates Atlético’s intent to improve their attacking options. In 32 Serie A games last season, the winger contributed 13 goals and 8 assists, as well as playing a vital role in Atalanta’s Europa League campaign. Atleti had a disappointing 2024-25 season, finishing third in La Liga with 72 points, securing a spot in the Champions League but falling 13 points short of league winners Barcelona.

Atlético Madrid finished third in La Liga last season according to a previous report.

WHAT NEXT?

Atalanta’s asking price and the threat posed by Lookman’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, which will force him out of Atleti’s squad for a crucial period in winter, are the two main obstacles standing between Atleti and signing Lookman this summer. The 27-year-old is expected to play a key role for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, having already accrued 17 caps in the past two years. The continental competition, which was postponed and will now take place in January, may cause Lookman to miss a number of La Liga games and potentially even the Supercopa de España. Atletico opens its 2025-26 campaign against Espanyol the following month, who just barely stayed in La Liga last time around. If further outgoings free up funds, Atleti may look to target other options, but for now, Lookman is the top target and Simeone will be hoping for a deal soon. The board is prepared to wait until later in the season before strengthening the squad further, but with an unbeaten home record this season and fans hoping for a first La Liga title since 2021, Atleti are unlikely to let Lookman leave without a fight.