Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has reignited its interest in Ademola Lookman, the forward from Atalanta, as the French club looks to enhance its attacking options ahead of the January transfer window. PSG’s offense has faced challenges in recent matches, prompting the club to reassess its pursuit of Lookman, who has emerged as a key player in Italy since his transfer from RB Leipzig in 2022. The Nigerian international, now 26, has enjoyed a remarkable spell with Atalanta, contributing a remarkable tally of 33 goals and 20 assists over 81 competitive appearances, showcasing his value to the squad.
Last season was particularly exceptional for Lookman, as he tallied 17 goals and provided 10 assists across 45 matches, which underscored his importance to the team. His standout performance came during the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick, leading Atalanta to victory. This pivotal moment exemplified Lookman’s knack for rising to the occasion in critical matches and has certainly caught the attention of top European clubs.
As PSG considers bolstering its roster, they must negotiate with Atalanta, which has reportedly set an asking price of between €65 million and €75 million for Lookman. This valuation serves to deter interest from potential suitors, as the Serie A club currently competes in the UEFA Champions League and aims to secure European placement for the upcoming season. Previously, PSG had offered €25 million to €30 million, which fell significantly short of Atalanta’s expectations during the summer transfer window. This created a notable gap in negotiations and caused PSG to reconsider its strategy moving forward.
Moreover, Lookman’s profile has only grown higher following an outstanding performance in Atalanta’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, where he scored one goal and assisted another in a commanding 3-0 victory. With this performance, he became the second player in Atalanta’s history to achieve a goal and assist in a single Champions League match, further solidifying his status within the club. Affectionately nicknamed “The King of Bergamo” by fans, Lookman is not only showcasing his capabilities on the pitch but is also in contention for prestigious accolades like the 2024 African Player of the Year award, demonstrating the high regard in which he is held both domestically and internationally.
As the January transfer window approaches, PSG is meticulously monitoring Lookman’s development, giving rise to speculation whether they will meet Atalanta’s asking price or whether the Italian club will hold firm in their resistance to parting with their star forward. The situation is fluid, with various factors in play impacting both clubs’ strategies. PSG’s recent struggles in attack may necessitate a more aggressive approach in negotiations, while Atalanta’s aspirations to continue competing at a high level will influence their decision on whether to sell Lookman mid-season.
Ultimately, football fans across Europe will be eagerly watching the developments surrounding Lookman’s potential move to PSG. As the French club considers strengthening its squad to regain its scoring form, the possibility of a high-profile transfer continues to loom large. Whether Lookman consolidates his position in Atalanta or embarks on a new chapter in Paris will be one of the more interesting narratives to follow as we move towards the January transfer window.
