ATLETICO Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman as Turkish giants Fenerbahce edge closer to sealing a blockbuster transfer deal with Italian side Atalanta, News Point Nigeria Sport reports.
The Spanish club had attempted to sign the 28-year-old attacker during the last summer transfer window but failed to reach an agreement with Atalanta. However, developments in the January window have forced Atletico to revisit the move as they seek to reinforce their squad ahead of the season’s decisive phase.
Atletico’s renewed interest in Lookman follows confirmation from Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on Friday that he would not leave the Bundesliga champions until the summer.
Goretzka had been Atletico’s primary midfield target, and his decision has prompted Sporting Director Mateu Alemany to explore alternative options in the market.
While Atletico have now turned their attention to Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi as a possible reinforcement in the middle of the park, Lookman remains the club’s top attacking priority.
The race for the Super Eagles star, however, has intensified significantly. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Fenerbahce are at an advanced stage of negotiations, having proposed a package worth up to €40 million, including performance-based variables.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Atletico are aware Fenerbahce’s current offer exceeds theirs but insist the La Liga side are determined to explore every possible avenue to bring Lookman to Spain.
The forward is understood to be open to a move to La Liga, having previously expressed interest in playing in Spain during the summer window.
Further reports from Diario AS indicate that Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek is currently in Bergamo, where he is working to finalise the deal with Atalanta officials.
Romano added on Friday that while Atalanta and Fenerbahce have reached a verbal agreement on the €40m valuation, both clubs are still negotiating payment structures and specific contractual conditions.
He also revealed that Atletico Madrid have made multiple enquiries in recent hours to understand the deal parameters, signalling their intent to hijack the transfer if an opportunity arises.
Despite the strong Turkish push, Atletico have not ruled out returning for both Goretzka and Lookman in the summer, depending on how Alemany manages the club’s transfer business before the February 2 deadline.
