Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has offered an update on the situation surrounding Ademola Lookman, amid persistent transfer speculation linking the Nigerian forward with moves to both Fenerbahçe and Napoli.

Speaking before Atalanta’s Champions League match against Union SG, Percassi addressed the growing conversation around Lookman’s status at the club during the January transfer window.

When asked whether Lookman would leave in January, Percassi responded, “Lookman leaving in January? Raspadori's arrival didn’t mean he'd leave,” as quoted by FC Inter1908.

The Atalanta CEO made clear that the recent arrival of Giacomo Raspadori was viewed internally as a transfer opportunity rather than a reason to sanction the sale of a first‑team member.

“Raspadori’s arrival was a transfer opportunity that didn’t require the sale of a player,” Percassi said.

Percassi further affirmed the club’s stance on Lookman’s role this season, underlining his importance to the squad.

“We’re happy that Giacomo chose Atalanta; he’s an important player, like Ademola, who returns to the starting lineup tonight,” the CEO stated, directly linking Lookman’s value to the team’s tactical plans.

In his remarks, Percassi also touched on Atalanta’s broader focus on performance. “We need to get back to performing well, in short...,” he said, signalling a desire for renewed consistency on the pitch.

The comments come amid ongoing talk that Lookman could be on the move. In the summer, there had been interest from Inter, and in recent weeks, speculation has grown connecting him with a potential transfer to Turkish side Fenerbahçe or to Serie A rivals Napoli.

Despite the rumours surrounding Lookman’s future, Percassi’s public statements suggest that Atalanta has no plans to facilitate a departure at this stage of the season.

By reaffirming that Raspadori’s arrival was not contingent on selling another player, Percassi has implicitly confirmed that Lookman remains part of the club’s strategy moving forward.

Wale Adejumo