West Ham United is leading the battle to recruit Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, with the Hammers hoping to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United, Arsenal, and PSG to his signature.
According to GIVEMESPORT, the London club sees the 2024 Ballon d’Or contender as a priority goal to improve Julen Lopetegui’s attacking options after a disappointing start to the season.
Lookman enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 season with Atalanta, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions, including a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final that secured the Italian club’s first European trophy.
The 27-year-old’s impressive performances earned him a 14th-place finish in Monday’s Ballon d’Or rankings, ahead of Premier League stars Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Cole Palmer. The former Everton and Fulham winger, who has reinvented himself as a striker in Italy, could be available for around €25m despite being contracted to Atalanta until 2026.
Reports in Italy had earlier claimed that Lookman is seeking a new challenge and could leave the Serie A club in January.
The Nigeria international has maintained his impressive form this season with five goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions. He is seen by West Ham as an ideal addition to their attack, which already features Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta, as they look to address their striker concerns with Michail Antonio ageing and summer signing Niclas Fullkrug struggling to make an impact.
