Chelsea are interested in signing Ademola Lookman, as Enzo Maresca tries to bolster his attacking department this summer.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a sensational season at Atalanta, including scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May. He ended the campaign on 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, a tally that has seen him attract interest from a number of European clubs.
And now, according to Calciomercato, Chelsea are among the teams keen on a move for the former Everton and Leicester winger. It’s understood the Blues are also willing to make an offer close to the €60million (£51m) asking price set, less than two years since he joined Atalanta for just €15million (£12.7m).
Manchester United and Liverpool are the others said to be interested in signing Lookman this summer. However, Atalanta will only be considering ‘irrefutable’ offers for a player they deem pivotal to the success of their team. Lookman has scored 32 goals in 77 matches during his two years at Atalanta.
Having already had experience in the Premier League, Lookman would need little time to adapt to English football. He started off his senior career at Charlton, coming through their academy system before securing a move to Everton in January 2017. Lookman scored on his Toffees debut in that infamous 4-0 win over Manchester City.
After a spell on loan at RB Leipzig, Lookman joined the Bundesliga club on a permanent deal in July. But it didn’t take long for Lookman to return back to England as he moved to Fulham on loan for the 2020/21 season. That was followed by another season-long spell, this time at Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign Lookman on a permanent deal after scoring eight goals and adding five assists in 42 appearances, but the Nigerian international moved to Atalanta instead. If Chelsea manage to sign Lookman, they would be getting a player with proven experience and know-how in the Premier League.
Additionally, Lookman is a quick, direct winger who mainly operates from the left side. He has an eye for goal but can often chip in with an assist every now and again. He would add more pace to the Chelsea attack, and someone with end product – something the Blues are lacking right now.
