Manchester United appear to be advancing their efforts to sign Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman.
Back in February, The Peoples Person noted that Man United had allegedly identified the forward as a summer transfer target.
It was later reported that United would look to lure Lookman to Old Trafford through an audacious swap deal including Rasmus Hojlund.
While further details on one such move have not yet come to light, it appears that United’s intention to sign the talented Serie A attacker is becoming increasingly serious.
CaughtOffside reported that United are set to hold direct talks with Lookman in an effort to convince him to join the club.
Even though the player reportedly carries a €60 million price tag, United manager Ruben Amorim appears unfazed as he continues the search for proven goal scorers.
While mainly playing as a second striker this season, Lookman has been lethal in the Serie A this season, netting 13 goals in 28 appearances. He has also proven clinical on Europe’s biggest stage, scoring five goals in just seven UEFA Champions League matches this season.
Such success comes as little surprise given how highly involved Lookman is in his team’s attacking play, averaging 2.6 shots per game in the league and a whopping 4.1 shots per match in Europe. (Stats via Sofascore)
Still, while Amorim seems intent on bringing a serious talent such as Lookman to the club, United may face some difficulties in their attempts to sign him.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United have all been named as interested parties, meaning that United could face a crowded pool of potential suitors.
What’s more, those clubs may have a clear advantage over United in the sense that they can offer European football to Lookman next season.
Sadly, this is no guarantee for United, who remain in the bottom half of the league table following a dismal season.
The one lifeline that United have is their performance in the UEFA Europa League. Should they win the competition, Amorim’s side will be able to qualify for next season’s Champions League despite their position in the Premier League.
This makes their showdown with Athletic Club on Thursday evening all the more crucial, particularly as they seek a decent result away from home to get the semi-final off to a promising start.
As a result, the Europa League might play a major role in not only salvaging United’s season to some extent but also luring some much-needed fresh talent to their ranks as they look to rebuild before the next season gets underway.
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
