Manchester City eyes €100m move for Nigerian international Ademola Lookman

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a major transfer move for Ademola Lookman, with the English champions said to be ready to table a €100m bid for the Atalanta forward.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Pep Guardiola has identified the Nigerian international as a player capable of injecting fresh dynamism and versatility into his squad.

Lookman, 27, has become a central figure for Atalanta, impressing with his agility, dribbling ability, and vision—qualities that City believe align with Guardiola’s tactical demands.

Napoli and Juventus are perfect projects for Lookman, former Super Eagles defender Uche Okechukwu commented, reflecting the widespread recognition of the player’s growing stature across Europe.

Meanwhile, ex-internationals have weighed in on the saga, with Nwankwo Kanu openly criticising Atalanta’s handling of the situation, while Sambo Choji argued that Inter are a huge club and they can get the best out of Lookman.

Despite his long-term contract running until June 2027, Atalanta face a significant dilemma.

The Bergamo club value Lookman at around €60m but could struggle to resist an offer almost double that figure.

With other major European sides also monitoring developments, the Serie A outfit may be forced into negotiations should City formalise their interest.

Lookman, born in London, has yet to feature for Atalanta this season.

Reports state that he earns an annual salary of €2.31m (1.51bn FCFA), but his market reputation has soared following successive standout campaigns in Italy.

For Atalanta, balancing their sporting ambitions with financial realities will be crucial if City’s interest materialises into a concrete bid.

The situation has also sparked debate among former Nigerian internationals, some urging Atalanta to handle the matter carefully, others highlighting the opportunity such a move could present for Lookman on the global stage.

Odemwingie, another former striker, criticised Atalanta for their approach to the case, suggesting the club risks undervaluing one of its most prized assets.

Away from transfer speculation, Atalanta are preparing for their upcoming Serie A fixture against Torino in the fourth round of the Italian championship.

Betting company 1xbet has listed odds of 1.92 for an Atalanta win, 3.20 for a draw, and 3.35 for a Torino victory.

With Manchester City circling and mounting pressure from all sides, Atalanta may soon face one of their toughest transfer decisions in recent years, as the battle for Ademola Lookman intensifies.