Juventus and Atalanta are set to face off on the pitch at the Allianz Stadium this Sunday, but their rivalry extends beyond the field. The two clubs were embroiled in a contentious transfer saga during the summer, culminating in Teun Koopmeiners’ move to Turin. The protracted negotiations saw Atalanta initially resisting Juventus’ advances before eventually relenting. However, Koopmeiners is not the only Atalanta player to have caught the Old Lady’s eye.
IlBianconero report that Ademola Lookman has emerged as a prime target for Juventus, with the Nigerian forward attracting interest from several top clubs. Juventus’ sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has already made preliminary inquiries about Lookman’s situation, exploring potential avenues for a future transfer. The Bianconeri face stiff competition, particularly from Premier League clubs, mirroring the interest in Lookman’s teammate Ederson.
Both Lookman and Ederson are viewed as ideal fits for Thiago Motta’s project at Juventus. However, securing either player would require a significant financial outlay, comparable to the investment made for Koopmeiners. Atalanta’s valuation of Lookman is reported to be around €50 million, reflecting the player’s importance to the team and his impressive performances.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has been subject to speculation since the summer when Paris Saint-Germain expressed concrete interest. At that time, Atalanta, already resigned to losing Koopmeiners, opted to retain Lookman. However, the landscape may shift in the coming months, potentially weakening Atalanta’s resolve to keep their star forward.
Recent events have further complicated Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta. A public falling-out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini over a missed penalty in a crucial Champions League match has fueled rumors of discontent. Gasperini’s harsh criticism of Lookman’s penalty-taking abilities has created tension within the club, potentially paving the way for a summer departure.
For Juventus, acquiring Lookman would represent a significant coup, adding firepower and versatility to their attack. The 27-year-old’s performances, including a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, have cemented his status as one of Serie A’s most exciting forwards.
