Technical director Tim Steidten is said to be keen to reinforce Julen Lopetegui’s options up front, but there are doubts about where the funds will come from if they want to make a move in January. There is also still interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran but he would probably cost even more than Lookman. The Colombian international signed a new 6-year contract earlier this month.Arsenal and Manchester United were both credited with an interest in Lookman during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners ultimately ended up landing Raheem Sterling on loan, while the Red Devils focused their efforts on strengthening other areas of the pitch.
There is a possibility that the two teams may revive their pursuit of Lookman in the future but GiveMeSport claim that the Hammers are “more likely” to make a formal bid.
Lookman won’t be available on the cheap
Back in the summer, when the 27-year-old was linked with a transfer away from Atalanta, it was reported that the Serie A side would hold out for a fee in the region of €60m (£50m).
Considering West Ham are not exactly flush with cash at the moment, it is difficult to see how they could afford Lookman unless Atalanta lower their asking price.The Nigerian international has had an outstanding 12 months, finishing last season with 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, helping his team win the Europa League.
Lookman has also been in good form this campaign, having hit the back of the net 5 times since August as well as creating another 5 goals.
The 27-year-old’s impressive performances earned him a 14th-place finish in Monday’s Ballon d’Or rankings, ahead of Premier League stars Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Cole Palmer. The former Everton and Fulham winger, who has reinvented himself as a striker in Italy, could be available for around €25m despite being contracted to Atalanta until 2026.
Reports in Italy had earlier claimed that Lookman is seeking a new challenge and could leave the Serie A club in January.
The Nigeria international has maintained his impressive form this season with five goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions. He is seen by West Ham as an ideal addition to their attack, which already features Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta, as they look to address their striker concerns with Michail Antonio ageing and summer signing Niclas Fullkrug struggling to make an impact.