The transfer situation of Ademola Lookman from Italian Serie A side Atalanta is far from over, Footy-Africa can confirm.
The Nigeria forward remains the subject of strong interest from Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce and Spanish side Atletico Madrid, with both teams keen to secure his signature before the transfer window closes.
Discussions have taken place between the two clubs and Atalanta, but progress has been slowed by unresolved issues in negotiations.
A reliable source exclusively disclosed to Footy-Africa that Lookman prefers Fenerbahce to Atletico Madrid and has given his words to the Turkish side.
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Fenerbahce are understood to have offered Atalanta €30m (£25.6m) plus a further €5m in performance-related bonuses. Personal terms have also reportedly been agreed, with Lookman set to earn a net salary of €9m per year.
Despite the offer meeting Atalanta’s valuation, the Italian club are said to be reluctant to sell to Fenerbahce and would instead prefer a move to Atletico Madrid, despite the Spanish side initially submitting a lower bid.
Footy-Africa gathered that Fenerbahce are frustrated by the situation with one of Directors in Italy on Friday as they prepare to close the deal.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has reported that Atletico Madrid have since matched Fenerbahce’s transfer offer, although the wages proposed to Lookman are said to be around half of what the Turkish club is offering.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Lookman will accept Atletico Madrid’s terms, with the deal potentially running until the final days of the transfer window.
