Italian giants Juventus who have been linked to Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman in recent weeks, are firmly set on a raid of Atalanta's squad.
The Bianconeri's gaze is not on the reigning CAF Player of the Year, however. It has instead shifted to midfielder Ederson, with reports indicating a strong desire to bring the Brazilian to Turin this summer.
This change in target comes amidst Juventus' ongoing efforts to strengthen their midfield, an area deemed crucial for their ambitions to challenge for domestic and European honours.
Eight months ago, the 27-year-old emerged as a key target for Juventus, viewed as an ideal attacking addition alongside Dusan Vlahovic. Last summer, the club explored a move, but Atalanta refused to negotiate, determined to keep one of their key players.
Since then, Lookman’s reputation has only grown, with standout performances in Serie A and Europe further solidifying his value.
Lookman transfer valuation and Premier League pull block Juve move
However, Juventus' interest in Lookman, while significant, has now cooled. Previous reports indicated he was seen as an ideal attacking reinforcement. Atalanta's valuation, expected to be over €60 million, has proven a stumbling block.
The Turin-based side are reportedly keen to avoid excessive spending this summer, making a move for the 2024 CAF Mens Player of the Year financially challenging.
This price point, combined with strong interest from the Premier League, notably Liverpool, has likely influenced Juventus' decision. Liverpool are reportedly considering Lookman as a potential replacement for Federico Chiesa, who joined the Reds from Juventus last summer.
Chiesa's struggles at Anfield, marked by limited game time and underwhelming performances, have led to speculation about his future. Despite these rumors, Chiesa remains determined to prove himself in England.
Therefore, with Juventus now pursuing Ederson and Premier League clubs circling Lookman, the Nigerian's future appears increasingly likely to lie outside of Turin and even Italy.
