Serie A champions Napoli face stiff resistance in their pursuit of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, with Atalanta demanding €50m for their star attacker. The 27-year-old, coming off a stellar 20-goal season, has become Antonio Conte's prime target, though the hefty fee complicates negotiations for the Naples club, which may offer player swaps.
• Lookman's valuation reflects his 40-game, 27-goal contribution (G/A) in 2024/25
• Napoli considers deal "significant" for player nearing 30 but lacks alternatives
• Atalanta prioritizes cash over swap deals for maximum profit
Why does Lookman's valuation matter beyond football? This standoff tests Nigeria's growing influence in global transfer markets. Where African players were once bargain buys, Lookman's price tag signals a shift - European clubs now recognize Nigerian talent as premium investments. The real battle isn't just over euros, but respect: can Naija stars command fees equal to their European counterparts?
