Napoli have identified Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as a key attacking target ahead of the summer transfer window, but they must overcome Nerazzurri’s hefty valuation if they are to secure the 26-year-old’s services.
The Partenopei are preparing a formal attempt to lure Lookman to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, according to Italian daily Il Mattino, 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 report adds. “Giovanni Manna has a transfer budget of €200 million to strengthen the squad and make the team competitive in the UEFA Champions League.”
ALSO READ: Omar Marmoush Stunner Highlights Kevin De Bruyne’s Final Home Game for Manchester City
It also states that Napoli will attempt getting outgoing Manchester City midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, who is available as a free agent this summer. “As the transfer window intensifies, Manna is also pushing to secure a response from Kevin De Bruyne as soon as possible.”
Interest in Lookman comes as Napoli prepare for significant attacking changes this summer, particularly with the expected exit of Victor Osimhen. Lookman, who scored a historic hat-trick to help Atalanta win a first ever European title in the UEFA Europa League, is seen as a versatile replacement.
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.
“Osimhen’s situation must be managed carefully, not just to avoid losing leverage with his 2026 contract, but because his departure could help fund multiple arrivals,” Il Mattino reported. The club’s transfer activity, they noted, is already broad in scope.
“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.”