Galatasaray and Napoli discussions regarding Osimhen are on the verge of falling apart,while Lookman attracts interest from additional potential suitors.
**Transfer Update: Ademola Lookman's Potential Move from Atalanta**
The ongoing summer transfer window continues to see a flurry of activity, with Ademola Lookman being one of the most sought-after players. Inter Milan, in particular, has shown keen interest in the English forward, preparing a €35 million bid for his services [3].
Lookman had a productive season at Atalanta, scoring 15 goals and providing 4 assists in 31 appearances [4]. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid also expressing interest [4]. However, it's Inter Milan who appear to be leading the race.
Inter Milan view Lookman as a direct replacement for Mehdi Taremi, who is reportedly being pursued by Fulham and Turkish side Besiktas [5]. If the move materialises, Lookman would join a team that is preparing for a new season under the management of Simone Inzaghi.
Meanwhile, Lookman resumed pre-season training with Atalanta on Tuesday, but his future with the club may be short-lived. With a year left on his current contract, potential buyers may have leverage in negotiations [2]. Atalanta is reportedly demanding closer to €50 million for Lookman [4].
Elsewhere, the transfer saga of Victor Osimhen continues to unfold. Despite Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly telling a middleman, "Tell these guys I am not selling to Galatasaray. They should get lost." [6], negotiations for Osimhen's permanent move to Galatasaray have not been entirely dashed.
A middle ground has been found in the negotiations, with an agreement likely to be announced by the weekend [1]. Galatasaray has agreed to pay Osimhen's €75 million release clause, with a proposed installment plan of a €40 million upfront fee and the remaining €35 million to be paid over two years [1]. However, Napoli's hierarchy has reportedly refused to cooperate, initially demanding a 20% sell-on clause and a guarantee that Osimhen wouldn't be sold to an Italian club within the next three years, which Galatasaray wasn't initially willing to agree to [1].
In a surprising turn of events, Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, has offered a lucrative contract worth €160 million across four years [1]. However, Osimhen has rejected this offer in favor of a permanent move to Galatasaray [1]. Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United's Alexander Isak as a potential alternative to Osimhen, should the Galatasaray deal fall through [7].
In the Premier League, Jordan Henderson has returned to the league, joining Brentford [8]. Liverpool has rejected Bayern Munich's €67.5 million bid for Luis Diaz, with the Reds holding out for a higher fee [9].
As the transfer window continues, these developments promise an exciting end to the summer transfer season.
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria, while keeping a close eye on the Ademola Lookman transfer saga, might also be anticipating updates about the potential move of Victor Osimhen to European leagues, perhaps even the Premier League.
- Nigeria's sports enthusiasts would find the €75 million release clause on Osimhen's contract intriguing, especially with Galatasaray proposing an installment plan for the transfer.
- If Ademola Lookman leaves Atalanta for Inter Milan, it might not be the only notable movement of a Nigerian player in the Premier League this season, as Liverpool is reportedly considering signing Alexander Isak as a potential replacement for Osimhen.
- The ongoing transfer window has seen Inter Milan and Galatasaray engage in intense negotiations, a stark contrast to the Super Eagles' football matches where the team's unity and camaraderie are more noticeable.
- The Premier League's transfer activities, featuring names like Lookman, Osimhen, Isak, and Diaz, continue to captivate football fans across Nigeria and beyond, setting expectations high for an exciting new season.
