New Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has made it clear: he wants Ademola Lookman to stay. With top European clubs circling the in-form forward, the Croatian tactician is urging the club hierarchy to hold onto one of their most prized assets.

Lookman, fresh off an outstanding season where he bagged 20 goals and 7 assists in 40 appearances, is attracting serious attention from European giants including Arsenal, Liverpool, and La Liga champions Barcelona. But for Juric, the reigning African Footballer of the Year is central to his vision for the team moving forward.

“The idea would be to keep both Lookman and Ederson,” Juric said during his first press conference as Atalanta manager. “Even if the club has clear ideas on the market, I have not made any request on players — not even on those I have had.”

Juric, who once managed Southampton in the Premier League, knows just how valuable a player like Lookman can be in both domestic and European campaigns. His pace, creativity, and knack for scoring in big moments played a major role in Atalanta's strong showing last season.

Lookman, 27, is entering the final year of his contract at the Gewiss Stadium, and as of now, no extension has been announced. That has only fueled speculation that he could be on the move this summer, with clubs hoping to take advantage of the contract situation.

Still, Juric remains hopeful that the club can convince Lookman to commit his future to Bergamo.

Lookman’s market value is reportedly on the rise after his standout campaign, and with Atalanta returning to the Champions League next season, there is strong motivation on both sides to find common ground.

While Juric is expected to bring new energy and ideas to the team, he knows that keeping core players like Lookman and midfielder Ederson will be crucial if Atalanta are to remain competitive at the top level.

For now, all eyes will be on the club’s next move — and whether they can lock down their star man before the transfer window heats up.