Atalanta Hopeful Over Ademola Lookman Future Despite January Exit Rumors
Ademola Lookman is taking positive steps towards his Atalanta future despite talks of a move away this month.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 20 January 2026
Ademola Lookman is considering a new deal with Atalanta despite rumors over a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window.
Ademola Lookman Considers New Atalanta Deal
The Nigerian international appears to have seen a new glimpse of hope with Atalanta as Lookman made an early return from AFCON.
After a public transfer request in August 2025, Lookman appeared to be on his way out of Bergamo and was heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan.
La Dea rejected multiple bids for their Serie A counterparts and Lookman was forced to return to training after missing the entirety of the club’s pre-season.
The former Premier League star has made 16 appearances for Atalanta this season, contributing to four goals (3G + 1A) and could play a huge role in La Dea’s push for Champions League qualification.
The Serie A side face Athletic Club on January 21st and Raffaele Palladino revealed that Lookman had made an early return to show a ‘sense of attachment’ to Atalanta.
Palladino said: “On paper, he was supposed to return tomorrow. But, he wanted to play in this game at all costs. He’s showing a sense of attachment to this team and I’m happy about that.”
Atalanta have been linked with multiple players during this January transfer window, as La Dea plot a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the AC Milan star could replace another possible departure in Ederson.
The Brazilian midfielder is being monitored by a host of European sides and Ederson’s situation could play a huge part in Lookman’s future amid rumors over a move to Chelsea.
Chelsea Keen On Ademola Lookman
The Blues have been keeping tabs on Lookman’s situation in Italy for multiple months and were preparing a €30million bid for the Nigerian.
However, Lookman’s recent commitment to Atalanta has hit the Premier League side with a major blow and Chelsea may have to increase their offer to entice the 28-year-old into a move.
Atalanta are set to recieve some funds this month as Ben Godfrey nears a move to Brondby and this could help in finding a replacement for Lookman.
The Atalanta star has one-year remaining on his current deal in Italy and Palladino is hoping to extend this by another year or possibly two.
There has been no progress in negotiations between Atalanta and Lookman, however, qualifying for the Champions League could see the Nigerian sign a new deal at the end of the season.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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