Napoli are reportedly preparing a ?50 million bid for Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, as the Partenopei aim to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to Football Italia, the offer falls short of Atalanta?s ?60 million valuation, with the Bergamo club holding firm on their asking price for the reigning African Player of the Year.

Atalanta are open to selling the 27-year-old Nigerian winger, but only for a fee over ?50 million, excluding potential add-ons or player exchanges.

Lookman enjoyed a sensational 2024 campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. That followed an equally productive 2023/24 season, where he notched 17 goals and 10 assists. In total, he has contributed 52 goals and 25 assists in 108 games for Atalanta.

His crowning moment came in May 2024, when he scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, delivering Atalanta their first-ever European trophy.

Napoli admire Lookman?s qualities, but the club is reportedly cautious about investing such a significant amount in a player closer to 30 than 25. A player-plus-cash deal has not been ruled out, though Atalanta?s priority remains a high cash return from any sale.

New Napoli boss Antonio Conte has already made a strong statement in the transfer market with the arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer and teenage prospect Luca Marianucci.

Interest in Lookman also persists from several Premier League clubs, which may drive up competition and price in the coming weeks. (BusinessDay)

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