Atletico Madrid wants to add an attacking target to the Diego Simeone team prior to the 2025-26 season that will start next month, and their leading target is Atalanta's breathola lookman.
Lookman, who has registered more than 25 target contributions with the Serie A side in his last two seasons, is expected to become a member of a new club towards the end of the summer. His preference is for Inter, with whom he has agreed personal conditions. But despite this, Atleti believes that they can win the race for his signature.
And with Inter and Atalanta on an impasse in terms of an agreement, Atleti want to strike. According to Corriere Dello Sport, they are willing to submit a proposal to sign the international winger of Nigeria.
Atleti are willing to pay € 30 million, but to compensate for the deficit at the reported asking price of Atalanta of € 50 million, they are willing to record Samuel Lino, part of the deal. The Brazilian winger is not expected to be a prominent player next season because of the arrival of Alex Baena, so he is a player who has options to leave.
If a deal can be closed for Lookman, Atleti would have an excellent force in depth in attacking areas that will please Simeone. However, he will certainly be concerned about the lack of quality in the central defense, that a priority area for Los Colchoneros should be on the transfer market.
A movement for Cristian Romero seems to be dead, and so far there have been no serious links with other players. That will be a concern for Atleti, who cannot afford to go for the easy option, which they did last summer with Clement Lenglet – although it turned out to be a relatively cunning signature.
It is still to consider whether Lookman is participating, but although that deal is processed, it is necessary that Athleti set their sights on a centerback at the highest level.