Liverpool, Man United watch on as Napoli’s bid for Super Eagles star hits snag

Napoli’s push to sign Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has hit a series of complications, as Atalanta remain firm on their €60 million valuation for the in-demand forward, Soccernet.ng reports.

Italian insider Carlo Alvino has confirmed that talks between Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Atalanta’s owners are ongoing, but far from straightforward.

Lookman, one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe after another stellar campaign in Bergamo, has attracted interest from top Premier League sides, including Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as La Liga giants Barcelona.

Following Antonio Conte’s success in his first year as Napoli’s head coach, De Laurentiis is keen to boost the Scudetto winners with more top quality players.

The Nigerian international is viewed as a priority target by the club hierarchy, alongside sporting director Giovanni Manna and Conte himself.

What has been said of Super Eagles star Lookman’s proposed move to Napoli?

“Lookman? There is constant contact between the two presidents,” Alvino told Kiss Kiss Napoli as per Calcio Napoli.

“Lookman is liked by Aurelio De Laurentiis first and foremost and then by Manna and Conte. Percassi and De Laurentiis have known each other for a long time, they respect each other and there have been contacts and phone calls between the two for months.”

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Lookman enjoyed a phenomenal 2024-25 season, scoring 20 goals and supplying six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

This follows from last season when the 27-year-old struck a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, to seal Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.

However, despite Napoli’s admiration for the Super Eagles star, a full cash offer appears unlikely. Alvino revealed that Napoli are exploring alternative proposals, possibly including a player-plus-cash deal, to reduce Atalanta’s demands.

“Percassi remains stuck at 60 million, but Lookman is approaching twenty-eight and Napoli is not willing to spend such high figures,” Alvino explained.

“Then there is the African Cup. We know what De Laurentiis thinks of those who go to play in the Cup. Napoli will try to lower Atalanta’s demands.”

Atalanta’s new head coach, Ivan Juric, is also believed to be keen on keeping Lookman, further complicating matters.

Alvino suggested that had Gian Piero Gasperini remained in charge, the deal may have progressed more quickly due to reported tensions between the former coach and Lookman.

“With Gasperini on the bench the operation would have been easier for Napoli due to the irreconcilable contrasts between the coach and the player. Juric’s arrival has slowed the operation down a bit.”

Lookman’s form since joining Atalanta in 2022 has been exceptional. The former RB Leipzig winger has racked up 52 goals and 25 assists in just 108 appearances. His versatility, pace and clinical finishing make him an ideal fit for Conte’s attacking system.

While Napoli continue to negotiate, Premier League suitors are closely monitoring the situation.

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly circling, both keen to bring Lookman back to England where he previously represented Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City.

Barcelona have also been linked, although a formal approach has yet to materialise.