Napoli have identified Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a key attacking target ahead of the summer transfer window, but they must overcome Atalanta’s hefty €50m valuation if they are to secure the 26-year-old’s services.
According to Italian daily Il Mattino, the Partenopei are preparing a formal attempt to lure Lookman to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium as new sporting director Giovanni Manna looks to reshape the squad ahead of the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
While Napoli are keen to press ahead with the move, the report makes clear that Atalanta will not entertain negotiations below a steep threshold.
“An attempt for Lookman will be done,” the paper wrote, but warned that “Atalanta asks for at least €50 million.”
“Napoli are expected to make an attempt to sign Ademola Lookman, although Atalanta are demanding at least €50 million for the Nigerian forward,” the paper wrote.
“Sporting director Giovanni Manna has a transfer budget of €200 million to strengthen the squad and make the team competitive in the UEFA Champions League.
“As the transfer window intensifies, Manna is also pushing to secure a response from Kevin De Bruyne as soon as possible.”
The interest in Lookman comes as Napoli prepare for significant attacking changes this summer, particularly with the expected exit of talisman Victor Osimhen.
Lookman, who scored a historic hat-trick to help Atalanta clinch their first ever European title in the UEFA Europa League final, is seen as a versatile replacement capable of playing both wide and centrally.
The Naples-based publication notes that Napoli’s delicate handling of Osimhen’s future is not just about retaining control, it is also financially strategic.
“The possibility of Victor Osimhen joining Juventus is the last thing Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to see and he cannot risk the striker showing up at Napoli’s pre-season camp in Dimaro amid unresolved transfer matters,” Il Mattino reported.
With the striker reportedly pushing to reunite with Cristiano Giuntoli at Juventus, the club are aware that a potential sale could unlock vital funds for their summer rebuild which will fund the pursuit of Ademola Lookman.”
The club’s transfer activity, they noted, is already broad in scope saying, “Napoli have already finalised the signing of Luca Marianucci from Empoli for €9m and are pressing hard for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Georgiy Sudakov, whose valuation stands at €40m. Talks for Spanish full-back Miguel Gutiérrez are also advancing, though Juventus remain a lurking presence.”