Atalanta have firmly dismissed renewed speculation linking Ademola Lookman with a move to Napoli, with the club insisting the Nigerian forward is not on the market despite growing transfer interest.
The Italian side addressed the rumours after reports suggested Napoli were considering a fresh approach for the Super Eagles attacker as they reshuffled their squad following a disappointing European campaign.
Napoli’s interest in Lookman is not new. The reigning Italian champions had monitored the former Fulham winger during the previous transfer window. Still, negotiations failed to progress as the player favoured a switch to Inter Milan at the time.
Atalanta, however, stood their ground and made it clear they would not strengthen a domestic rival.
That stance reportedly triggered a tense period, during which Lookman briefly distanced himself from first-team activities in an effort to push for an exit.
The move proved costly. The 28-year-old struggled to regain rhythm and sharpness after returning to action, with his performances and goal output dipping noticeably during that phase of the season.
Nevertheless, the Africa Cup of Nations provided a turning point. Lookman rediscovered his best form at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, emerging as the tournament’s most influential attacker and later clinching the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award.
His resurgence has inevitably reignited interest across Europe, with Napoli once again mentioned as a potential destination.
The Naples-based club are now eager to bolster its squad after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League.
Antonio Conte, who had earlier demanded reinforcements, is expected to receive backing from the club hierarchy as Napoli attempt to salvage their domestic campaign. They currently trail league leaders Inter Milan by nine points.
Italian outlet Fanta Calcio reports that Napoli are exploring a possible loan deal for Lookman, although alternative options such as Sporting Lisbon’s Alisson Santos and Bayer Leverkusen forward Martin Terrier remain under consideration.
Atalanta president Luca Percassi has since poured cold water on the rumours, stressing that recent transfer activity does not signal an imminent departure for Lookman.
“Any opportunities we explored in the market were not linked to letting other players go,” Percassi said.
“Ademola is a key part of our project, just like the other senior players in this squad.”
He added that the club’s focus remains on performance rather than speculation, noting that Atalanta are keen to maintain stability as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, head coach Raffaele Palladino has explained Lookman’s limited involvement since returning from international duty, insisting it is a precautionary decision.
“We are carefully managing his workload,” Palladino said. “The priority is to keep him fit and avoid unnecessary injuries.”
For now, Atalanta appear determined to retain their star winger, leaving Napoli to consider alternative routes in the transfer market.