NAPOLI have intensified efforts to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta as the Serie A giants look to reinforce their attacking options before the transfer window closes, News Point Nigeria Sport reports.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that according to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, contacts between Napoli and Atalanta have accelerated in recent days, with negotiations now decisively underway for the 28-year-old winger.
Lookman, who recently returned to Bergamo following his involvement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, is widely expected to leave Atalanta either before the end of the current window or in the summer.
The report adds that Lookman remains Napoli’s primary attacking target, although the structure of any potential deal poses a major challenge. Napoli are currently operating under an internal “zero balance” transfer policy, meaning they cannot spend beyond what they earn until February 2, significantly limiting their room for manoeuvre.
As a result, the Partenopei are unable to force Atalanta’s hand and are instead relying on the Bergamo club’s willingness to sell—provided their valuation is met. Atalanta are also considered numerically well stocked in attack following the return of former Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori, reducing their urgency to negotiate at a discount.
Despite the financial hurdles, Napoli remain determined. The club see Lookman as a forward capable of making an immediate impact and playing a central role in their sporting project, particularly as they continue to reshape their squad two seasons after Victor Osimhen’s departure.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Napoli’s technical staff believe Lookman’s pace, versatility and direct attacking style would significantly raise the quality of the squad.
“In Naples, they believe that the attacker’s profile fits perfectly into their sporting project, and his arrival would immediately raise the team’s quality,” Fichajes noted.
Napoli’s financial constraints continue to complicate negotiations, with the club reportedly unwilling to exceed its income in the current transfer window. To unlock funds for the move, Napoli are actively working on outgoing transfers, with Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang both said to be close to exits abroad.
Atalanta are understood to be holding out for a fee of around €40 million for the Nigeria international, who enhanced his reputation further at the 2025 AFCON, where he helped the Super Eagles secure a bronze medal. Lookman was also named to the CAF Team of the Tournament after scoring three goals and providing four assists during the competition.
The former RB Leipzig and Leicester City forward has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and West Ham United, but Napoli currently appear the most proactive in their pursuit.
Adding another layer to the transfer saga, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has publicly revealed that he has attempted to persuade Lookman to join him at the Turkish champions.
“Before playing the World Cup qualifier, I spoke with Lookman. I told him everything about my experience at Galatasaray; how amazing the club and the fans are, and that when he comes here, he’ll feel right at home,” Osimhen told Turkish outlet Forza Cimbom.
This season, Lookman has registered four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta. His consistent performances at club and international level continue to make him one of the most sought-after Nigerian attackers in European football as the transfer deadline approaches.