Bayern Munich have turned their attention to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman after a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson collapsed at the last minute.
Jackson had already traveled to Munich for medical tests after Chelsea initially approved the move. However, following an injury to Liam Delap in a weekend match, Chelsea withdrew their approval, forcing Bayern to look elsewhere.
According to Sky Sport, Bayern have now placed a loan bid for Lookman with an option to buy. The German champions have reportedly included a €28 million (£24m/$32m) purchase clause in the deal, which would be activated if Lookman plays a certain number of games.
Lookman, who had been in talks with Inter Milan earlier this summer, failed to secure that move after Atalanta refused to sell him to a domestic rival. Despite his push for a transfer, Inter did not meet Atalanta’s terms.
Atalanta are said to be open to selling the 27-year-old to Bayern but have so far declined the German club’s proposal. The Italian side are holding out for around €50 million (£43m/$58m) for the forward, who remains under contract until 2027.
Tottenham Hotspur and Turkish giants Galatasaray have also expressed interest in the Nigerian international, but Atalanta reportedly rejected Tottenham’s bid.
Bayern remain the most determined club in the race and hope to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes. If no agreement is reached, Lookman risks being sidelined by Atalanta until the January transfer window.
