Roma are reportedly planning a January swoop for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman in a bid to reunite him with his former coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
Former Serie A striker Nicola Ventola disclosed this on the Viva El Futbol podcast, hinting that the Giallorossi are ready to test Atalanta’s resolve when the winter transfer window opens.
“I think they’ll try. Lookman can change the team,” Ventola said via Calciomercato.com. “If you have Lookman on one side and (Matias) Soulé on the other, then (Artem) Dovbyk would not struggle that much.”
Lookman and Gasperini formed a formidable partnership at Atalanta, guiding the club to their first-ever European title — the 2024 Europa League. The Nigerian’s electric form that season also earned him the 2024 African Player of the Year award.
However, their relationship took a hit last season following Lookman’s penalty miss against Celtic in the Champions League. Gasperini later apologised for his post-match criticism, easing tensions between them.
The 27-year-old winger was close to joining Inter Milan last summer, but the deal collapsed after the Nerazzurri failed to meet Atalanta’s €50m valuation. Lookman was briefly frozen out of the squad in August before returning to action.
Ventola believes Gasperini is dissatisfied with Roma’s current squad and is keen on reshaping it to fit his tactical approach.
“Gasperini isn’t happy with what he has. He’s working, but his objective is to improve the team with more suitable players. This is not his team,” he added.
Echoing his view, former defender Lele Adani urged Roma to invest heavily to secure Lookman’s services.
“Roma, if they can, must make an outstanding sacrifice to sign Lookman because I’m convinced they’ll remain up there until January,” Adani said.
Nonetheless, Roma’s financial situation could complicate any potential move. Reports indicate the club needs to raise around €90m to meet Financial Fair Play requirements before making new signings.
Roma currently sit joint-top of Serie A alongside Napoli, having picked up 15 points from their first six matches. They are set to face Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico after the international break.
