Premier League giants turn down Atalanta winger as West Ham step up interest.
Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, have rejected the opportunity to sign Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman despite Atalanta’s willingness to listen to offers ahead of the January transfer window deadline, Sportblits.com reports.
France-based journalist Achille Ash revealed that Lookman’s representatives approached a number of top-flight English sides but received little encouragement.
“Ademola Lookman’s agent has contacted several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa,” Ash wrote on X.
“All five clubs are said to have turned down the proposal, with only West Ham showing interest. The most concrete leads regarding interest in the player are understood to be from Inter Milan, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Fenerbahce.”
Atalanta are open to negotiations but remain firm on their valuation of the 28-year-old winger, who has recorded three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Serie A side are keen to keep Lookman until the end of the campaign and will only sanction a sale for a substantial fee, with reports from Italy indicating a price tag of at least €40m.
“Atalanta are reportedly holding out for a €40m offer for the Nigerian international, who won a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,” Ash added.
Interest from West Ham United has since gathered momentum, with developments in London suggesting the club are actively exploring a deal. Sky Sports transfer specialist Topskills Sports UK disclosed that the Hammers have made contact with Lookman’s representatives to assess the feasibility of a move.
“West Ham United have today contacted Ademola Lookman’s camp to enquire about his availability. Understand the London club are heavily focused on strengthening their attacking options, with Lookman topping their shortlist,” the report stated.
Although Atalanta have reinforced their attack with the signing of Giacomo Raspadori, transfer experts in Italy maintain the club are prepared to sell Lookman if their valuation is met.
Football Italia reports that Fenerbahce are considering a structured deal involving a €5m loan fee for the remainder of the season, followed by a €37m obligation to buy.
West Ham’s pursuit is being driven by their struggles in front of goal this season, having managed just 24 league goals, while also possessing the weakest defensive record in the Premier League.
Despite a late 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, the Hammers remain five points behind Nottingham Forest and are searching for attacking inspiration to revive their survival bid.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is understood to be keen on adding proven attacking quality, with Lookman’s Premier League experience at Everton, Fulham and Leicester City placing him firmly at the top of the club’s shortlist.
Fresh from helping Nigeria secure third place at AFCON 2025, the forward is expected to return to club duty imminently, with his future now under intense scrutiny.
