Nottingham Forest are hoping to capitalise on Atalanta’s firm transfer stance amid the race to sign Nigerian international Ademola Lookman.
The 27-year-old, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, is understood to have formally requested to leave the club this summer amid interest from a number of suitors, not least Inter Milan.
However, Soccernet.ng reports that Atalanta refuse to sell to a Serie A rival despite claims that Inter have already agreed personal terms with the former Fulham forward, although their bids have yet to meet Atalanta’s €50m (£45m) valuation.
That stance, the report says, has kept the door open for Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Forest both “ready to swoop,” according to The Sun.
The Reds were first linked with the Londoner last month when Spanish website Fichajes claimed Forest were ‘monitoring’ Lookman’s situation, seeking a dynamic replacement for Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle earlier in the window.
Soccernet.ng, however, say persuading the Super Eagles star to join a side without Champions League football could prove their biggest challenge, especially with Arsenal and Inter offering opportunities in Europe’s premier club competition.
According to The Guardian, Inter are preparing a fresh bid that could finally meet Atalanta’s asking price. Yet Atalanta’s reluctance to strengthen a direct league rival could give Forest, and potentially Arsenal, a crucial opening.
Lookman’s situation has become “increasingly tense” with the winger missing a few scheduled individual training sessions, the report continues, and has not featured in any of Atalanta’s preseason friendlies.
His departure, therefore, now appears “inevitable,” with the “only question” being which club can match Atalanta’s demands and offer the “clearest vision” for his next career step.
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It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Nottingham Forest.
The 2024/25 campaign proved to be a special one for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. But it could get even better for the Reds this time around.
European football will be coming to the City Ground for the first time in three decades. It will be a whole new continental adventure for Forest, and they will be eager to give it a good go.
It all means there is a lot to look forward to this coming season. With that in mind, we have produced our Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off special, our brilliant guide to the new season.
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We will also take a look at the summer’s biggest signings in the division, check out each ground and study the managers - new and old. With a full fixture list, Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off will get you in perfect match shape in time for the Reds’ opening day curtain-raiser at home to Brentford on August 17.
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