Nottingham Forest Plot ‘Audacious’ Move for Ademola Lookman

Nottingham Forest have set their sights on attempting to win the race for Ademola Lookman after the Atalanta star has worked his way onto the radar at the City Ground as preparations are made for the summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.

The Tricky Trees showed plenty of ambition ahead of the campaign getting underway, with Elliot Anderson proving to be the most expensive acquisition thanks to completing a £35million switch from Newcastle United, and boss Nuno Espirito Santo wants to make further adjustments to his squad as he closes in on securing Champions League qualification.

Although Jota Silva has made an impact on the flanks since joining in a deal worth an initial £5.9million from Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in August, Nottingham Forest have pinpointed Lookman as a potential standout recruit as they aim to build on a memorable campaign which could still end with FA Cup glory.

Tricky Trees Eyeing Lookman Summer Swoop

Nigeria international expected to leave current surroundings

Nottingham Forest are plotting an audacious move for Lookman, according to GMS sources, and they have been given hope that a deal will be possible as it is looking almost certain that he will walk away from Atalanta in favour of a fresh challenge when the transfer window reopens for business.

The wide forward still has four years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket close to £40,000-per-week at the Gewiss Stadium, but the Tricky Trees are seriously considering whether to offer a route back to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign as they aim to make their attack even more potent.

GMS sources have been informed that it is likely that Nottingham Forest will need to book their place in next season’s Champions League in order to turn Lookman’s head, having featured in the competition for Atalanta this term, and an offer in the region of £43million is believed to be enough to strike a deal due to strained tensions behind the scenes.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international has been described as ‘world-class’ by commentator Matteo Bonetti, as a result of his performances in Serie A, and the Tricky Trees are eyeing an opportunity to pounce even though the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been shining on the flanks.

Reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are not on course to enter the race for Lookman’s signature due to landing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli during the winter transfer window, GMS sources have learned, but Nottingham Forest will still face competition for an agreement.

Premier League Rivals Compete for Lookman

Performances in Italy result in 27-year-old being sought-after

GMS sources have been told that Nottingham Forest could face competition from Tottenham Hotspur if they up the ante in their pursuit as the north Londoners have looked at recruiting Lookman in the past, while Aston Villa have been credited with an interest even though they are still finalising their summer plans.

The latter are prioritising a permanent deal for Marco Asensio, who is currently on loan from PSG, and they also need to decide whether to trigger a £40million option to buy Marcus Rashford from Manchester United after he has been enjoying plenty of game time under boss Unai Emery since his mid-season arrival.

Serie A heavyweights Juventus are another side who could attempt to come out on top in the battle for Lookman’s services, GMS sources understand, but Nottingham Forest want to make waves in the transfer market and have set their sights on tempting him away from Atalanta in the coming months.

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Although GMS sources recently revealed that Ola Aina is open-minded about staying at the City Ground despite gaining interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, which will come as a significant boost for the Tricky Trees, they are keen to welcome fresh faces to the Midlands during the summer.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 10/04/2025

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