Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has intensified efforts to leave Atalanta this summer after skipping training on Monday amid a transfer standoff with the Serie A club.
The Nigerian forward is reportedly eager to join UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan, who recently submitted a €45 million bid, including bonuses—an offer Atalanta promptly rejected. The club insists they will not accept less than €50 million and are unwilling to sell to a domestic rival.
Lookman’s decision to miss training comes after he publicly criticized the club’s hierarchy on Sunday and formally submitted a transfer request. In a statement shared on Instagram, Lookman said he believes it is time to “move on and experience a new adventure,” accusing Atalanta of blocking his exit “for reasons I do not understand.”
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi responded to the player’s claims by revealing that the club had previously promised to let Lookman leave—under two conditions. “He asked to be sold last summer when PSG made an offer. We agreed, with the understanding that he would only move to a top European club and not to any other team in Italy,” Percassi said.
While acknowledging a gentleman’s agreement, the club stated it was based on verbal assurances, not formal clauses. “Those understandings were tied to PSG’s interest last year, which never turned into serious negotiations,” a club statement added.
Lookman has since wiped all references to Atalanta from his social media profiles, fueling speculation over his dissatisfaction. So far, Inter Milan have not submitted a new bid, while Atalanta stand firm on their valuation and conditions for a sale.
