Barcelona is gearing up to take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final next Wednesday, April 2. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano in Riyadh, following an intense first-leg encounter that ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
As reported by the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Barcelona remains focused on reinforcing its attacking options, with Atalanta’s Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman emerging as a strong contender for a potential transfer.
The club views Lookman as a compelling choice, primarily due to his affordability compared to other high-profile targets like Rafael Leao, Nico Williams, and Luis Díaz.
Priced at approximately €30 million, the Atalanta star has attracted significant interest from the Catalan giants, receiving the backing of head coach Hansi Flick, who believes he could provide solid competition for Raphinha on the right flank.
Lookman has been enjoying an outstanding season in Serie A, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers. His impressive contributions in terms of goals, assists, and relentless play on the left wing have garnered widespread recognition. Renowned for his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability, Lookman has become a sought-after asset in the transfer market.
Barcelona also values Lookman’s experience in European competitions, particularly his performances in the Europa League, which demonstrate his readiness to make the leap to a top-tier club. His versatility and attacking prowess make him a prime candidate to bolster Barcelona’s frontline as they seek to enhance their squad depth.
Coach Hansi Flick has reportedly given his approval for Barcelona to proceed with negotiations, believing Lookman’s arrival would introduce healthy competition for Raphinha and offer greater tactical flexibility.
The Nigerian winger’s ability to operate on both wings would allow Barcelona to rotate its attacking setup effectively, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable offensive strategy.
Given the club’s financial constraints, securing Lookman for €30 million represents a cost-effective yet high-impact solution. Barcelona is also exploring alternative strategies to lower the transfer cost, potentially including players like Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati in the negotiations with Atalanta.
Discussions between Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and Atalanta are expected to advance in the coming weeks. If an agreement is reached, Lookman could soon be donning the Blaugrana jersey, adding depth to the squad and fueling excitement among Barcelona fans eager to see him thrive alongside Raphinha in the club’s attack.
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