Atletico Madrid closing in on Ademola Lookman signing after €40m agreement | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing Ademola Lookman in the winter transfer window after reaching a verbal agreement with Atalanta worth €40 million (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

Fenerbahce appeared to be the frontrunners for the Nigerian forward, but Atletico have overtaken them by matching their offer.

The Spanish giants have also raised their salary offer for Lookman. Head coach Diego Simeone’s involvement in the negotiations has convinced the Super Eagles star to accept Atletico’s proposal.

Lookman has been pushing to leave La Dea since his failed transfer saga with Inter Milan last summer.

The Italian giants also softened their stance on Lookman after signing Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico earlier in this window.

The excellent relationship with the Bergamo giants in the wake of Raspaodri’s deal provided Atletico with an edge during Lookman’s negotiations.

The 28-year-old has been far from his best at the club level this season, but he has regained his form at AFCON 2025.

He racked up three goals and four assists in the tournament to lead the Super Eagles to a third-place medal.

Lookman netted 20 goals and seven assists in the 2024/25 season, highlighted by remarkable performances in Serie A and the Champions League.

Atletico will be hoping that the former Everton star replicates the same form for the remainder of the season.

Lookman will also strengthen Atletico’s forward line following Antoine Griezmann’s hamstring injury.

Besides Lookman, Los Rojiblancos are planning to sign a striker and a midfielder before Monday’s deadline.

Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo has emerged as the top target, and Atletico are advancing in negotiations to strike a loan deal plus a buy-option for the Brazilian.

Atletico have been underwhelming under Simeone this season. They were knocked out of the Spanish Super Cup, relegated to the Champions League play-offs and are third in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by ten points.