La Liga giants, Barcelona, are currently in the market to secure a new winger with Marcus Rashford and Ademola Lookman’s names on their wish list, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, there has been a growing uncertainty over the future of the wantaway Manchester United striker at the Nou Camp stadium.
This indecision has created a fresh opening for Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, whose name is firmly in the mix as both Barcelona and Arsenal weigh their attacking options.
Lookman on Barcelona’s Radar After Stellar Season
Lookman’s performances for Atalanta over the past season have made him a hot commodity in Europe. Two seasons ago, the Super Eagles forward wowed the football world when he helped Atalanta lift the Europa League with a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
Last season, the Nigerian picked up where he left off, scoring 15 Serie A goals, which earned him a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season.
According to multiple reports, including from ESPN, Barcelona have identified Lookman as one of the alternative options they are monitoring closely.
The Catalan giants reportedly value him at around €50 million, which is considered more affordable than many Premier League-based targets.
Rashford’s Barcelona Links Hit a Standstill
For weeks, Marcus Rashford has been linked with a surprise move to Barcelona as his future at Manchester United looks increasingly unclear. The England forward, however, is not yet close to a switch to Camp Nou.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have not made a final decision on whether they want to proceed with a deal for Rashford.
There have been no club-to-club talks, and no agreement on whether the move would be a loan or permanent. As of now, the matter is entirely dependent on Barça’s internal deliberations.
Barça are yet to decide whether they want to proceed with Rashford deal or not.
It’s not about loan or permanent. No club to club talks yet as it’s all about Barça internal decision on winger they want.
Rashford still dreams of joining FCB
https://t.co/3TdqwCRb9x pic.twitter.com/MkondXiju0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025
Rashford is said to still dream of playing for Barcelona, but financial factors and squad needs have kept the Spanish club in a holding pattern.
What Rashford’s Uncertain Future Means for Lookman
Barcelona’s hesitation regarding Rashford could directly benefit Lookman. With no breakthrough in Rashford talks, Barça may opt for a more accessible and financially viable target.
Furthermore, this could accelerate discussions and strengthen his position on Barcelona’s shortlist. It also increases his leverage with Arsenal, who are reportedly interested in signing him as well.
If Rashford’s move fails to materialise, Lookman could find himself as Barcelona’s primary focus for a new winger—particularly since his profile matches the Catalan side’s reported needs.
In short, Rashford’s uncertain Barcelona future has placed Nigeria’s Lookman in a prime spot as one of the top options left standing.