• Atalanta have given up on losing ace Ademola Lookman, most recently in the 2025 summer transfer window.
• Coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest and admitted that he could leave soon
• The Italian Serie A club will focus on potential young players and the like to fill the void it will leave

Atalanta are preparing for the possibility of losing Ademola Lookman during the 2025 summer transfer window, with plans to replace the Nigerian.

Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022 and has been the team’s best player in the first two years, helping them win the UEFA Europa League last season.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is confirmed La Gazzetta dello Sport that Paris Saint-Germain inquired about him, but despite agreeing personal terms, an agreement could not be reached.

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Tutto Atalanta reported that the Bergamo-based club hopes to make around €60 million from the sale of the Ballon d’Or nominee and reinvest in a potentially younger player.

TUKO.co.ke looks at five players who could replace the Super Eagles star at Gewiss Stadium.

Players who can replace Lookman

1. Mario Retegui

La Dea may have to look inwards for a replacement for the Super Eagles striker. His teammate Mario Retegui is a similar player who can fill his boots. The Argentine attacker is already proving his worth and is currently the top scorer in Serie A with 10 goals and two assists in nine games.

2. Nico González

González, owned by Fiorentina, was Atalanta’s first target when PSG asked for Lookman in the summer, but Juventus won the battle and bought it on loan. The loan has a purchase obligation, but if it is not activated, the Bergamo team could pounce.

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3. Federico Chiesa

Euro 2020 winner Chiesa was also on Atalanta’s radar as they inquired about Lookman’s replacement last summer. He arrived at Liverpool but has only played 78 minutes due to an injury. The Reds are reportedly willing to transfer him loan to regain his fitness and return to Italy could be an option.

4. Denis Dragús

The Romanian international is a player similar to Lookman, a striker who can also operate on the wing. Dragus could be difficult as he just joined Turkish club Trabzonspor in June and is still adjusting to life in the Super Lig.

5. Ángel Gómez

Former Manchester United star Gomes is another young and versatile option for the Europa League winners to consider. He currently plays for LOSC Lille in Ligue 1 and will be a free agent in June 2025, as he has not yet signed a new contract.

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What position did Lookman occupy in the Ballon d’Or?

Meanwhile, TUKO.co.ke reported that Ademola Lookman finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in his first appearance at the coveted awards ceremony after a brilliant year for Atalanta and the Super Eagles.

Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta winning their first European trophy and their first trophy since 1963, the UEFA Europa League, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

He also helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, finishing as runners-up after losing to the host country, Ivory Coast.

Review by Asher Omondi, Current Affairs Journalist and Copy Editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Fountain: Legit.ng