West Ham United is reportedly at the forefront of the pursuit to acquire Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles forward currently playing for Atalanta. The London club aims to outmatch their competitors, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, in securing Lookman’s services. As per PUNCH Sports Extra, Lookman has been identified as a crucial addition to West Ham’s attacking lineup. The team’s management believes that his skill set could significantly improve their performance, particularly in light of a lackluster start to the season under manager Julen Lopetegui.
During the 2023/24 season, Lookman demonstrated remarkable form while playing for Atalanta. He was instrumental in the team’s success, netting 17 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. Notably, he achieved a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, contributing to Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy win. His standout performances have garnered attention, including a notable 14th-place finish in the recent Ballon d’Or rankings. This achievement places him ahead of several prominent Premier League players, showcasing his rise as a significant talent in European football.
Lookman, who previously played for clubs such as Everton and Fulham, has undergone a transformation during his time in Italy, reinventing himself as a forward. His current contract with Atalanta extends until 2026, but reports suggest he might seek a new challenge, potentially hinting at a transfer window departure in January. The estimated fee for Lookman is around €25 million, making him a feasible target for West Ham, who are looking to strengthen their squad.
This season, Lookman has continued his impressive track record, contributing five goals and five assists in just ten appearances for Atalanta. West Ham views him as an optimal addition to their attacking strength, which currently includes players like Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta. Given Michail Antonio’s advancing age and the recent underperformance of summer signing Niclas Fulkrug, bolstering the forward line with a player like Lookman is seen as a strategic move to address their striker issues.
The competition for Lookman’s signature is fierce, with several elite clubs eyeing the Nigerian international. Manchester United and Arsenal have a keen interest in enhancing their attacking options with a player of Lookman’s caliber, while PSG adds additional prestige to the race. This level of competition speaks volumes about Lookman’s rising profile in European football and confirms that he is becoming a sought-after talent after a breakout season.
As West Ham United continues to evaluate their transfer options, securing Lookman could prove a judicious investment in their future success. The potential addition of this dynamic player aligns with the team’s objectives of improving their performance and addressing their attacking deficiencies. As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds and whether Lookman will make a move to the Premier League or remain with Atalanta for the foreseeable future.
