.

The Hammers are understood to be weighing up contingency plans in case Kudus departs, and Lookman has emerged as one of the key targets under consideration, according to a TBR Football report.

While no formal offer has been made, the Nigerian international is seen as a strong profile match to replace Ghana international Kudus, particularly for his versatility and attacking output.

The 27-year-old former Everton and Fulham man has flourished in Serie A, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions last season.

Lookman’s stock shot through the roof last year after he netted a sensational hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to help crown Atalanta champions for the first time in the club’s history.

For his efforts, he was named African Footballer of the Year and earned a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season.

With a contract at Atalanta running until June 2027, Lookman’s current valuation stands around €60 million (£50m), a fee West Ham would be able to cover if Kudus completes a proposed £62.5m switch to Spurs. However, there is no confirmation from either West Ham or Atalanta about ongoing talks at this stage.

West Ham are interested in signing Ademola Lookman, with the player keen on a return to London, his hometown.

However, Atalanta are primarily interested in selling to a club they choose, rather than listening to the wishes of the player.

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It has been suggested that Lookman would welcome a return to the Premier League, where he previously struggled to make a lasting impact during spells at Everton, Leicester City and Fulham — scoring just 11 goals in 96 appearances.

His development since moving to Italy, however, has been profound. Former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini helped shape him into a more complete attacker, with strengths in finishing, dribbling, ball retention, and set-pieces.

West Ham boss Graham Potter reportedly admires Lookman's adaptability, with the Nigerian able to play on either wing or through the middle. That versatility could be crucial should the club lose Kudus, who was instrumental in their attacking setup last season.

West Ham aren’t the only club monitoring Lookman.

Arsenal and Napoli have also been linked, with Italian icon Antonio Cassano publicly urging Napoli to sign the forward as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG in January.

For now, any potential deal appears to hinge on Kudus’ future. If Spurs push through with a fourth bid after seeing a £62.5m offer turned down, the dominoes could start to fall. But unless Kudus departs, a move for Lookman may remain speculative.