Atalanta’s Sporting Director, Tony D’Amico, has made it clear that the club is determined to retain Ademola Lookman and their key players as the January transfer window approaches.
Lookman, who has had an outstanding year, was recently crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year and was ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or standings.
His strong performances have drawn attention from several top clubs, particularly in the English Premier League, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal among those reportedly interested.
D’Amico acknowledged the challenges of the winter transfer market but says that Atalanta’s primary goal is to keep their current squad intact.
“There is no extra pressure, we continue as always to take it one game at a time and focus only on ourselves,” D’Amico said.
“It is the end of a wonderful and exciting 2024 for us, with two finals and one trophy.
“I reiterate, this is an important game, but we always face them the same way, trying to achieve the best we can.
“This 2024 has been unforgettable. Lazio are a very good team who invested well in the transfer market, they are doing well this season and are a quality opponent,” the 44-year-old told Sky Sports Italia.
He stated that, while the club may explore new opportunities if they arise, they aim to maintain their core players, including Lookman and Ederson.
“If there are any opportunities, we will go for them, but obviously maintaining the full squad that we currently have at our disposal.”
Atalanta spent Christmas as the Serie A leaders, although Inter are now level after beating Cagliari 3-0 and have a game in hand.
Despite the pressure of the title race, D’Amico reassured fans that the club remains focused on taking each match as it comes.
