Italian club confident star will stay put despite the Nigerian urging for a move since last summer with Tottenham and Inter interested
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has moved to cool speculation linking Ademola Lookman with a January move to the Premier League, suggesting the club has no intention of selling one of their key attackers midway through the season.
Lookman has been persistently linked with a return to England after impressing in Serie A, with Tottenham among the clubs heavily associated with the Nigerian international both last summer and again during the current transfer window.
Several other Premier League sides have also monitored his situation, as have Inter Milan.
However, speaking about Atalanta’s plans, Percassi indicated that the club see Lookman as central to their ambitions and are not actively entertaining offers during the January window.
“Lookman leaving in January? Raspadori’s arrival didn’t mean he’d leave. Raspadori’s arrival was a transfer opportunity that didn’t require the sale of a player,” Percassi said ahead of Atalanta’s Champions League match against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, via FC Inter1908.
“We’re happy that Giacomo chose Atalanta; he’s an important player, like Ademola.”
The comments are a clear signal that any Premier League or Serie A interest is likely to be deferred until at least the summer.
Lookman has become one of Atalanta’s standout performers since arriving from RB Leipzig. He took his game to another level under Gian Piero Gasperini, culminating in the historic Europa League triumph two seasons ago.
But that relationship soured over time, reaching boiling point after that famous bust-up with his coach over his missed penalty, causing him to an issue a statement and a demand to leave the club last year. Even after Gasperini left to join AS Roma last summer, Lookman has still pursued exit routes.
Premier League interest unlikely to be revisited this month
Tottenham’s interest dates back to last summer, when the north London club explored attacking reinforcements capable of operating across the front line.
Lookman’s versatility and experience in England made him an attractive option, particularly given his previous spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City.
That interest resurfaced in January as Spurs assessed their options amid injuries and the need for greater depth in wide areas. Other Premier League clubs have also tracked Lookman’s progress, encouraged by his consistency in Italy and his growing influence in big matches.
Atalanta, though, appear relaxed about the situation. The club’s hierarchy believe Lookman’s value on the pitch outweighs any short-term financial incentive to sell, especially with key objectives still in play across multiple competitions. Losing such an important figure mid-season would represent a significant sporting risk.
From Lookman’s perspective, remaining in Bergamo offers continuity and a system tailored to his strengths. His development since leaving England has been marked, and Atalanta’s faith in him has been rewarded with decisive performances in crucial moments.
While Premier League clubs are expected to revisit their interest in the summer, Percassi’s stance suggests January will pass without movement.