Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race for in-form Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, with the reigning UEFA Champions League holders eyeing the Atalanta star as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior.
According to The PUNCH, Lookman’s consistent form has attracted interest from several top European clubs, and Madrid are now set to rival Paris Saint-Germain and others for his signature.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for a fee of €9.35 million, plus bonuses, Lookman has been nothing short of spectacular.
The 27-year-old winger has featured in 90 competitive matches, netting 39 goals and providing 23 assists, showcasing his value as a prolific attacking talent.
His strong performances have not gone unnoticed, with a host of European giants monitoring his progress, eager to lure him away from the Serie A side.
Lookman’s breakthrough season came last year when he played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen to secure the club’s first European trophy.
The Nigerian international also delivered a strong domestic campaign, bagging 17 goals and 10 assists across 45 appearances, cementing his place as one of Serie A’s most dangerous wingers.
This season, Lookman has shown no signs of slowing down. In just 12 appearances, he has already registered seven goals and five assists, maintaining his form and further increasing his stock in the transfer market.
His exceptional performances have made him one of the most sought-after players in European football, with reports suggesting that Madrid see him as a natural fit to fill the void that may soon be left by Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius Junior, who has been one of Real Madrid’s key attackers, is reportedly the subject of a record-breaking €300 million bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The potential departure of the Brazilian winger could reshape Madrid’s attacking options, and Lookman has emerged as a top target in the event that Vinicius moves on.
The possible transfer fee for Vinicius could eclipse Neymar’s record-breaking €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017, signaling the magnitude of the potential deal.
Atalanta were able to hold on to Lookman during the summer transfer window, despite interest from several high-profile clubs, including PSG. Sports Zone reported that Lookman had even reached a personal agreement with the French club, but the move ultimately fell through.
However, with his stock continuing to rise, it may only be a matter of time before Atalanta are forced to cash in on the talented forward, especially with a number of clubs now keen to secure his services.
Lookman’s versatility, pace, and eye for goal make him an attractive proposition for any club looking to strengthen their attack.
As Real Madrid prepare for the possibility of losing Vinicius Junior, Lookman could be the perfect candidate to continue the club’s legacy of world-class wingers and add another dynamic option to their forward line.
With the winter transfer window fast approaching, all eyes will be on Lookman, as his future hangs in the balance. Atalanta may soon face a difficult decision, knowing that keeping the Nigerian star could be a challenge amid mounting interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
