Ex-Napoli boss warns Atalanta on Lookman’s exit

Ex-Napoli boss warns Atalanta on Lookman’s exit

Former Napoli and Atalanta boss, Bortolo Mutti has tipped Napoli to reclaim the Serie A title—if it manages to land Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward has emerged as a key transfer target for new Napoli manager Antonio Conte, who reportedly sees the 27-year-old as the perfect replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, following the Georgian’s high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in January.

Lookman enjoyed a standout campaign last season, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta.

The Super Eagles star’s consistent impact since arriving from RB Leipzig has made him one of the most valuable attackers in Serie A.

While Atalanta is believed to be holding out for €60m, Napoli is hoping to reach a compromise closer to €50m.

Mutti, who managed both clubs in the late 1990s, is hopeful Atalanta can resist the temptation to cash in — but admits that Lookman could be a decisive figure for Conte’s Napoli.

READ ALSO:

• Iran-Israel conflict: Oil prices jump to $77, beating Nigeria’s $75 budget mark
• EFCC arraigns two firms for allegedly defrauding investors of N80m
• JAMB: 11 CBT centres, registrants to face sanction over fingerprints

The veteran manager is convinced that Conte’s Napoli could become the favourite to lift the Scudetto again should Lookman leave Bergamo for Naples.

Speaking to Radio Goal on Kiss Kiss Napoli via Calcio Napoli, Mutti said:

“Lookman is an immense footballer who is fun and makes you win matches. He always manages to invent the play; he is a fundamental piece for Atalanta.

“For Atalanta, losing Lookman means losing a lot, but I don’t see the reason why Percassi should put the player on the market, also because the balance sheets are absolutely positive.

“I hope Lookman doesn’t leave Atalanta. The left wing is his ideal area because he comes back on the right, but in today’s football it’s easy to find other solutions. The good ones for me are good everywhere.

“If Napoli takes Lookman and also Lucca then they would win the championship again.”

Ex-Napoli boss warns Atalanta on Lookman’s exit