Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing Ademola Lookman in the winter transfer window after reaching a verbal agreement with Atalanta worth €40 million (h/t journalist Fabrizio Romano).
Fenerbahce were the front-runners for the Nigerian forward, but Atletico have matched their offer. The Spanish giants have also raised their salary offer for Lookman.
Manager Diego Simeone’s involvement in the negotiations has convinced the Super Eagles star to accept Atletico’s proposal.
Lookman has been pushing to leave La Dea since his failed transfer saga with Inter Milan last summer.
The Italian giants also softened their stance on Lookman after signing Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico earlier this month.
The excellent relationship with the Bergamo giants in the wake of Raspaodri’s deal provided Atletico with an edge during Lookman’s negotiations.
The 28-year-old has been far from his best at the club level this season, but he has regained his form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He bagged three goals and four assists in the tournament to lead the Super Eagles to third place.
Lookman netted 20 goals and seven assists last season. He delivered remarkable performances in Serie A and the Champions League.
Atletico will be hoping that the former Everton star replicates the same form for the remainder of the season.
Lookman will strengthen Atletico’s forward line following Antoine Griezmann’s hamstring injury.
Los Rojiblancos are planning to sign a striker and a midfielder before Monday’s deadline.
Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo has emerged as the top target, and Atletico are advancing in negotiations to strike a loan deal plus a buy-option.
