Mitchell pushing for Newcastle to enter talks to sign emerging star with 18 goals

The Magpies are preparing to make a bold statement of intent this summer, with reports emerging that Newcastle United will hold talks with Ademola Lookman as they aim to lure the electrifying Nigerian winger back to the Premier League.

Fresh from their commanding 3-0 victory over Ipswich Town that strengthened their Champions League credentials, Eddie Howe’s side are already laying the groundwork for what could be one of the most exciting attacking signings of the upcoming transfer window.

Lookman’s remarkable transformation from Premier League fringe player to Serie A sensation has captured the attention of Europe’s elite, but Newcastle believe they can win the race for his signature.

The 27-year-old Atalanta forward, valued at £55 million, has blossomed into one of Europe’s most feared attackers under Gian Piero Gasperini’s tutelage, with his 18 goals this season cementing his status as one of Serie A’s standout performers.

Italian media outlet Tuttosport’s description of Lookman as “scary in tight spaces” perfectly encapsulates the fear he instills in defenders, while Gasperini himself has hailed the Nigerian as “truly extraordinary” and “among the world’s best.”

Newcastle’s interest in Lookman represents more than just another transfer target – it signals their ambition to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season.

With Champions League qualification increasingly likely (the Magpies currently sit third with four games remaining), sporting director Paul Mitchell is moving quickly to identify players who can make an immediate impact while fitting the club’s long-term vision.

Lookman’s Premier League experience – 96 appearances across spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester – combined with his recent European exploits makes him an ideal candidate.

The potential signing would address several key needs for Howe’s side. While Alexander Isak has carried much of Newcastle’s goalscoring burden this campaign, Lookman’s versatility across the front line would provide crucial depth and rotation options.

Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, his arrival would allow Howe to manage Isak’s minutes more effectively while maintaining attacking threat. The Nigerian’s explosive pace and improved finishing would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s forward line, complementing the technical qualities of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy.

Lookman’s career trajectory offers an intriguing subplot to this potential transfer. Once considered a failed prospect after struggling to establish himself at Everton, his redemption arc in Italy – capped by that unforgettable Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen – demonstrates the maturity and resilience that Newcastle value in their recruits.

At 27, he enters his prime years with point to prove back in English football, making the timing of this move potentially perfect for all parties.

However, Newcastle face stiff competition for Lookman’s signature. Newly crowned champions Liverpool have been linked, while Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all reportedly monitor the situation. Juventus’ interest appears more speculative given their financial constraints.

The Magpies’ potential Champions League status could prove decisive in negotiations, offering Lookman the European platform he craves while providing the starring role he might not receive at more established contenders.

As Newcastle prepare for season-defining fixtures against Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal, their transfer plans reveal a club thinking strategically about the future while remaining focused on the present.

Lookman represents exactly the profile of player who could help bridge the gap between top-four hopefuls and established Champions League regulars – a late-blooming talent entering his peak years with hunger to match his undoubted ability.

The coming weeks will determine whether Newcastle can turn their interest into a concrete offer, but one thing is clear: the Magpies are no longer shopping in the bargain bin. Targets like Lookman demonstrate their growing pull and ambition as they look to build on this season’s Carabao Cup triumph.

For a player once written off in English football, a return as Newcastle’s marquee attacking signing would complete a remarkable career renaissance while providing the Magpies with the firepower to light up St James’ Park for years to come.