How Atalanta could replace injured Lookman: Raspadori and Maldini options

DUBLIN, IRELAND – MAY 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC bites their winner’s medal as he celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Ademola Lookman is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury to his knee, confirmed on Tuesday morning, which leaves Atalanta looking for a potential replacement with just under a week remaining of the January transfer window. 

Lookman has not travelled with the Atalanta squad for the final Champions league phase match against Barcelona on Wednesday, and could miss around a month of action as a result of his injury according to Tuesday’s reports. 

According to updates in Italy, La Diva have three potential options on the January transfer market to replace the reigning African Player of the Year, including two in Serie A and one currently plying his trade in Lyon. 

Who could replace Lookman at Atalanta? 

According to updates from Alfredo Pedulla, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is one that Atalanta could turn to before the close of the January transfer window. 

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have been following the France U21 star for several weeks already and had reportedly prepared a package worth up to €30m to sign him from Lyon earlier in the transfer window, but that was put on hold amidst interest from a number of clubs across Europe this month. 

Cherki, who scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for France’s U21 side, is a player who Atalanta could return to to plug the Lookman gap. 

Atalanta are also fond of two players already in Serie A, but have not yet prepared any formal offers as things stand. 

Former Milan graduate Daniel Maldini, son of club legend Paolo, is one of those players. 

The 23-year-old moved to Monza on a permanent deal over the summer, but he and his team are currently struggling in 20th place in the Serie A table. 

Another Italian option is Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori, who has struggled to cement a place in the starting line-up under Antonio Conte. The Italy international has only featured in 11 Serie A matches this season, and just two of those games came as a starter. 

There is also still a possibility that Atalanta do not sign anyone in the January transfer window and turn to their in-house options to replace Lookman. 

Charles De Ketelaere will become even more important to Gasperini in Lookman’s absence, while Nicolo Zaniolo, Lazar Samardzic and Marco Brescianini could see the Nigerian’s injury as an opportunity for more regular playing time.