West Ham Competing with Three Premier Rivals for 70-Goal Forward as January Transfer Likelihood Evaluated
West Ham Monitoring Ademola Lookman as Interest in Atalanta Star Grows
West Ham United are among several clubs closely watching Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, who has attracted attention from multiple teams considering bringing him back to the Premier League.
According to TEAMtalk, Lookman is on the radar of various Premier League clubs as they start finalizing their target lists ahead of the January transfer window.
With many sides eager to inject more attacking quality, Lookman has emerged as a strong candidate due to his impressive performances in Serie A.
His value has surged over the past year, making him a significant player for Atalanta.
The Italian club, however, is not keen to sell and has tied the 27-year-old down with a contract through 2026, plus an option for an additional year.
Sources indicate that any potential transfer bid would need to exceed £60 million to be considered, although Atalanta is also exploring the possibility of extending Lookman’s contract to maintain his value.
West Ham has shown longstanding interest in Lookman, reportedly tracking him up to the summer 2024 transfer window.
While West Ham remains interested, they face competition from three other, as yet unnamed, Premier League clubs.
Prospects of a January Transfer
A January move for Lookman appears unlikely given Atalanta’s ongoing competitive commitments.
The team currently sits third in Serie A and is vying for titles in both the domestic league and the Champions League.
Insiders suggest that Atalanta aims to retain key players amid a strong season, making it difficult for any club to lure Lookman away mid-season.
Although West Ham is intent on bolstering their attack this January, they may need to pivot to other targets if Atalanta stands firm on retaining Lookman.
Lookman’s Timeline of Success Since Leaving the Premier League
August 4, 2022: Joins Atalanta from RB Leipzig for €15 million after Leicester declined an option to make his loan permanent.
August 13, 2022: Scores on his Atalanta debut against Sampdoria, quickly establishing himself as a supporting striker.
January 2023: Delivers three consecutive braces across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, solidifying his role in Atalanta’s attack.
July 2023: Awarded Atalanta’s Player of the Season after a standout debut season with 15 goals in 33 appearances.
January-February 2024: Plays a pivotal role for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring decisive goals in the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
May 22, 2024: Nets a hat-trick in the Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.
June 2024: Retains his Player of the Season title at Atalanta, affirming his status as one of their most valuable players.
September 4, 2024: Makes history as the first Atalanta player shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th in the voting the following month.
October 26, 2024: Scores twice and provides two assists in a dominant 6-1 win over Hellas Verona, showcasing his continued growth.
Lookman’s stellar trajectory has positioned him as a valuable asset in European football.
While his price tag and Atalanta’s reluctance to sell pose barriers, the sustained interest from Premier League clubs like West Ham underscores the impact he could haveif he returns to English football.
