Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman is not fully convinced by the project and financial offer Atlético Madrid is presenting to him, as the Spanish side try to beat Fenerbahçe to the signing of the Nigerian International, Bold Sports reports.
According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Lookman is not open to joining Atlético “as of now,” even though Diego Simeone’s side are not backing down. Atlético are said to be maintaining constant contact with Atalanta and are prepared to table an important offer for the 28-year-old as they look to win the race for his signature.
Lookman’s uncertain stance towards Atlético comes months after he was already close to leaving Atalanta last summer. The Nigerian international had reportedly agreed personal terms with Inter Milan in a deal that appeared set to take him to the top end of Italian football, but the move collapsed when Atalanta refused to shift from their €50 million valuation, a figure Inter could not meet.
Inter’s eventual withdrawal from negotiations sparked a fallout between Lookman and Atalanta, with the winger leaving the club’s facilities for two weeks without notice. He later returned before the close of the transfer window and was reintegrated into the squad.
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Now, with another transfer window bringing fresh interest, Fenerbahçe have emerged as the player’s preferred destination. Reports claim Lookman has already agreed personal terms with the Turkish club and is expected to earn an annual salary of €9 million, a major increase from the €2.3 million he currently earns at Atalanta.
Fenerbahçe are also believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Atalanta on a €40 million package, although both clubs are yet to fully agree on the payment structure and conditions attached to the deal.
Despite that progress, Atlético Madrid remain firmly in the picture. Some reports suggest Atalanta would be willing to sell to the Spanish side, but Lookman’s preference currently leans towards Fenerbahçe, giving the Turkish club a key advantage if negotiations can be finalised.
On the pitch, Lookman has endured a difficult campaign by his standards. He has scored three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions this season, a return that falls short of the double-digit tallies he has posted in recent seasons for the Bergamo club.
With Atlético pushing hard and Fenerbahçe confident of landing their man, Lookman’s future could be decided by whether the Turkish side can meet Atalanta’s conditions, or if Atlético can do enough to change the player’s mind.
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