Naples beats Barça to Ademola Lookman

After closing the signing of central defender Luca Marianucci (20 years old), Napoli seems determined to go for Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta 'crack', one of the wingers in FC Barcelona's orbit, is aiming to change clubs this summer and Antonio Conte's team does not want to miss the opportunity to sign him.

According to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', the 'partenopeo' team is willing to pay the 50 million euros of the Nigerian winger's clause. Lookman has a contract for two more years and his market value reaches 60 'kilos'. 

Hence Atalanta still has hopes of renewing him, but the 27-year-old winger prioritizes making the leap to a more competitive team. The London native was key in obtaining the Europa League in 23/24 and, although the Bergamo team will play Champions again next season, he is waiting for a 'top' offer this summer.

Lookman, the chosen one to cover the loss of Kvaratskhelia in Naples

Ademola Lookman after the Europa League final

In that sense, Naples would have already opted for Lookman as the replacement for Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. Despite the Georgian's departure to Paris Saint-Germain in January, Antonio Conte's team managed to win their fourth Serie A title.

The change was satisfactory for all parties, as Kvaratskhelia ended up being vital for Luis Enrique's PSG treble. The Tbilisi native left 70 million in the Neapolitan coffers, enough to go for the '11' of Atalanta and some other reinforcement.

In 24725, Lookman scored 20 goals and 7 assists in 40 games (2,871 minutes) with Gianpiero Gasperini's team. The Italian coach left for Roma after a successful cycle in Bergamo, leaving his place to the Croatian Ivan Juric.

The experienced coach had a disastrous season, directing only 8 games with Roma (won 3) and another 14 with Southampton (lost 12). This, without a doubt, may be a compelling reason for Ademola to speed up his departure.

Barça forgets about Ademola Lookman for Nico Williams and Luis Díaz

For Barça, the Nigerian international was one of the best valued 'low cost' alternatives in terms of left-footed wingers. However, both Luis Díaz and Nico Williams have relegated him to a secondary role in recent weeks.

The Liverpool striker was, until a couple of days ago, the favorite to reinforce the azulgrana attack, but the latest contacts between Nico's agent and Deco reactivated negotiations with the Basque player.

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Barça reactivates the Nico Williams route after a key summit

In addition, Nico's excellent relationship with Lamine Yamal would be a determining factor for the culé board to decide to resume his signing, as his snub last summer did not sit well with the club.

In any case, Barça has clear market priorities this summer and Ademola Lookman is not among them. For Napoli, the path looks clear to incorporate a very valuable reinforcement in 25/26.

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