Roma target Ademola Lookman for their attack: he could leave in January
An attacking reinforcement. Roma will revamp in January, and Endrick, who is on his way out of Real Madrid, is not the only player they are following and monitoring closely.
According to Repubblica today, Roma are keeping close tabs on Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, whom Simeone no longer considers untouchable. This year, the Nigerian has made 15 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist across La Liga and the Champions League. He has started nine league matches but has not made the starting XI in Europe.
In recent matches, Álex Baena has moved ahead of Lookman as first choice, leaving the Nigerian as his backup. Against Barcelona, Lookman spent the entire match on the bench for the first time this season. Simeone has not frozen him out and still considers him an asset, but Lookman no longer looks indispensable. He has not had the same impact as last season: from January, when he arrived from Atalanta, to May, he scored nine goals in 24 matches.
Roma are watching, though there is no cause for alarm yet. The former Atalanta player is firmly on sporting director D'Amico's list. Lookman knows Italian football and has already worked with Gasperini. They clashed more than once, but Lookman also improved markedly under him. In Bergamo, he recorded 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 matches, including the magical night in Dublin against Bayer Leverkusen that gave Atalanta a historic Europa League triumph.
Under Roma's current manager, the former Leipzig player rose to the top tier, and Gasperini has him in mind to complete the attack. As Repubblica reports, there is currently no indication that Lookman has asked to leave or that fans have protested against him. But if his playing time remains limited, he will weigh up his options and speak to the club.
Atletico Madrid cannot afford an exodus in January: Alexander Sørloth is also attracting interest. The Norwegian striker, born in 1995, is a Juventus transfer target and is valued at around 25–30 million. Atletico Madrid will let only one of the two leave, on the right terms, and only if they find a replacement. Lookman cost €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses last January. His salary is around €6 million gross per year plus bonuses, and his contract runs until 2030.
