Fakayejo Paul
Bergamo, Italy – Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has officially handed in a transfer request to Atalanta, escalating his push for a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old forward confirmed the news in a public statement, expressing his frustration with the club’s refusal to accept a bid from Inter.
The transfer saga has been ongoing for weeks, with Inter Milan’s most recent offer for Lookman reportedly in the region of €45 million (€42m plus €3m in add-ons), a bid that Atalanta swiftly rejected.
Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph with a historic hat-trick in the final, has made it clear he wants to join Inter, having reportedly already agreed to a personal five-year contract with the club.
In a scathing and emotional statement posted on his social media accounts, Lookman cited “many months of broken promises” and “poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer” as the reasons for his transfer request.
He stated that he and the club had agreed that if a “fair offer” arrived, he would be allowed to leave, but that Atalanta were now “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”
Atalanta, who have been steadfast in their stance, are reportedly holding out for a total package closer to €50 million.
Their position is partly influenced by a sell-on clause owed to RB Leipzig, his former club.
The standoff now puts Atalanta in a difficult position. While they are reluctant to lose their star player, keeping an unhappy player who has publicly aired his grievances could be detrimental to team morale.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are reportedly considering whether to submit an improved third bid or move on to other targets.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this transfer saga, with Lookman’s future in Italy hanging in the balance.