Newcastle United to take advantage of high profile bust-up and pounce on £42m star

Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on Atalanta’s prolific forward Ademola Lookman, as the Magpies look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The 27-year-old, who has been in scintillating form in Serie A, has caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, Newcastle’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, is said to be particularly familiar with Lookman’s talents, having made multiple scouting trips to Bergamo to monitor the player’s progress.

Lookman, a London-born forward, has been a standout performer for Atalanta this season, netting 18 goals across all competitions. His latest display came in a stunning 4-0 victory over Juventus, where he once again showcased his ability to deliver on the big stage.

The Nigerian international, who shares the same agent as Newcastle’s Joelinton, has established himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers, capable of playing both centrally and out wide. His versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him an attractive target for the Magpies, who are keen to add firepower to their squad.

Despite his impressive form, Lookman’s future at Atalanta appears uncertain due to a public fallout with manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The tension between the two escalated after Lookman missed a penalty in a match against Club Brugge, prompting Gasperini to label him one of the “worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.

Although Lookman has continued to feature for the Italian side, the relationship seems irreparable, and a summer exit now looks inevitable. In a statement addressing the incident, Lookman expressed his disappointment, saying,

“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.”

With just one year remaining on his contract, Atalanta are expected to cash in on Lookman this summer, with reports suggesting an asking price of around £42 million.

The Italian club also holds the option to extend his deal by an additional year, but the likelihood of a transfer remains high given the player’s desire for a new challenge and the growing interest from Premier League sides.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a £37 million bid, despite Lookman’s previous stint at Everton, while Chelsea and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation. However, Newcastle’s strong interest and Lookman’s admiration for the project under the club’s Saudi ownership could give them an edge in the race for his signature.

Lookman’s career has taken him across Europe, with stints at Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Leicester City, and Fulham before his move to Atalanta. His time in Italy has been transformative, as he has developed into a consistent goal-scorer and a key player for his team.

His ability to adapt to different roles in attack, combined with his pace and technical skill, makes him an ideal fit for Eddie Howe’s system at Newcastle. The Magpies’ sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is no stranger to Lookman, having worked with him during his time at RB Leipzig. This existing relationship could prove pivotal in negotiations.

For Newcastle, securing Lookman’s signature would represent a significant statement of intent as they aim to compete at the highest level.

The club’s ambitious project, backed by their Saudi owners, has already attracted top talent, and Lookman could be the latest addition to their growing squad. However, the Magpies will face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs, and the final decision may come down to the player’s preference.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Lookman’s future will be one of the most closely watched stories in European football.

For Newcastle, the opportunity to sign a player of his caliber is too good to pass up, and they will be hoping to leverage their project’s appeal to bring him to St. James’ Park. If successful, Lookman could become a key figure in the Magpies’ quest for silverware and a return to the upper echelons of English football.