ATLETICO Madrid have taken a decisive step toward signing Nigeria international Ademola Lookman after agreeing a €40m transfer package with Italian side Atalanta, placing the Spanish club firmly in pole position ahead of rivals Fenerbahce.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports Atletico have also improved their salary offer to the 28-year-old forward, a move that has significantly strengthened their bid as the January transfer window enters its final days.
The development marks a major shift in the race for Lookman’s signature, with the La Liga giants now better placed to conclude the deal after matching the financial proposal previously submitted by Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the breakthrough late Saturday, revealing that Atletico have met Atalanta’s €40m valuation and are ready to proceed with the transfer without further delay.
“Fenerbahce have still not agreed on payment terms and bank guarantees, Atletico are ready. Salary proposal to Lookman from Atletico has also been improved,” Romano wrote.
Negotiations between Fenerbahce and Atalanta reportedly stalled on Friday night, despite the Istanbul club’s willingness to invest heavily in the Nigerian attacker. While Fenerbahce were prepared to meet the overall valuation, talks broke down over unresolved payment structures and the lack of required bank guarantees.
Italian media reports described the discussions as having reached a “definitive halt,” leaving the Turkish side struggling to revive the deal before the transfer window shuts.
Atletico Madrid, by contrast, have moved swiftly to capitalise on the impasse. With Atalanta satisfied with the Spanish club’s financial package and structure, Diego Simeone’s side are now poised to complete the signing before the deadline on Monday.
The renewed push from Atletico follows earlier interest in Lookman during the summer transfer window, when the forward had openly expressed his desire to play in Spain. Although that move failed to materialise at the time, the Madrid club never fully cooled their interest.
Lookman has enjoyed an impressive spell at Atalanta, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous wide forwards in Serie A and a key figure for club and country. His pace, technical quality and eye for goal have made him an attractive target for clubs across Europe.
Fenerbahce had intensified efforts to land the Super Eagles star in recent days, with representatives of both clubs holding meetings in a bid to finalise the transfer before January’s close. However, Atletico’s readiness to meet Atalanta’s demands — both in transfer fees and player terms — appears to have tipped the balance.
With the clock ticking, Atletico Madrid are now widely expected to wrap up the deal, potentially bringing Lookman to La Liga and handing Simeone another attacking weapon for the second half of the season.
As things stand, unless there is a late twist, Ademola Lookman’s long-anticipated move to Spain looks closer than ever.