Lookman Misses Training to Push for Atalanta Exit

Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, has skipped Atalanta’s training to force his way out of the club, amid interest from Inter Milan.

The Nigerian forward has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Inter Milan recently having a bid of €45m including bonuses turned down by Atalanta.

“Ademola Lookman didn’t show up for training today as he keeps insisting on his plan to leave Atalanta. Atalanta maintains their position. No way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week. No fresh bid from Inter so far,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted.

Lookman announced that he had submitted an official transfer request, stating, “it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure,” but accused Atalanta of “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”

Atalanta’s CEO, Luca Percassi, confirmed that the club has an agreement to allow Lookman to leave this summer, but not for teams within Serie A.

“Last year, after a €20m offer from PSG, the player had asked us to be sold. Atalanta, being a credible club, had promised to sell the player this window based on two conditions that he himself had asked of us,” Percassi said.

The club added that the promises Lookman referred to were based on a “gentleman’s agreement” made last summer when PSG approached, but no real negotiation was born due to the significant difference in figures.

PUNCH