Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick has already set his sights on Nigerian winger as his prime summer signing target.
The German manager allegedly prefers the Atalanta star man to possible alternatives like Liverpool’s Luis Díaz or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles winger was magnificent last season, scoring 15 goals and delivering eight assists as Atalanta became the first Italian club to win the Europa League title.
He is one of Europe’s most prized wingers to make a move this summer.
According to Soccernet, the player is Ademola Lookman.
Although the interest of Paris Saint-Germain last summer never translated to a transfer, Barcelona is now said to be the favorite to secure Lookman’s signature.
However, the financial woes of the Catalan giants, which have been amply documented, could be an enormous obstacle to meeting Atalanta’s estimated €60-70 million valuation for their star man.
Signing of Lookman would give Flick a pacy, multi-skilled attacking threat who can play anywhere across the front line, with the Nigerian’s pace, control, and improved end product making him the ideal man for the German manager’s high-pressing, attack-focused brand of football.
While the former Everton man has also been reportedly holding talks with Premier League sides like Arsenal, a move to Barcelona could be the ideal next chapter in his career, with the possibility of competing for the biggest prizes and establishing himself among the football elite.
If the two sides can negotiate the complex terms that are necessary with La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules.
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