Atalanta: Ademola Lookman wants to push the club to the limit

Lookman Takes Stand Against Atalanta in Transfer Saga

Nigerian Striker Boycotts Training Amidst Inter Milan Pursuit

Ademola Lookman's standoff with Atalanta has escalated dramatically. The Nigerian forward skipped team training on Monday, August 5th, citing no medical reason for his absence. This bold move follows a formal transfer request submitted over the weekend after Inter Milan's latest bid was rejected by the Bergamo club.

Lookman Demands Move, Despite Club's Resistance

Following a lengthy social media statement outlining his desire to join Inter Milan, Lookman intensified his pressure by refusing to participate in training. This conflict stems from Inter Milan's strong interest in acquiring Lookman's services. Their initial offer was rejected, but they returned with a €42 million bid plus €3 million in bonuses – an offer still short of Atalanta's reported demands of €45-€50 million.

Despite Atalanta's firm stance against selling their star player, Italian sources claim Lookman has already reached a personal agreement with Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri were hoping that his public transfer request would force Atalanta's hand and pave the way for negotiations. This tactic appears to be working, but a deal remains far from finalized.

Atalanta CEO Stands Firm Amidst Mounting Pressure

During Marco Sportiello's presentation, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi clarified the club's position. He reminded that an agreement was reached with Lookman last year regarding a transfer offer from PSG: “This is a good opportunity to clarify what happened. Last year, when PSG made a €20 million offer, the player asked us to sell him. Atalanta, being a respectable and respected club with strong values, promised to sell the player during this transfer window under two conditions that he himself set: first, that he would join a top European club and, second, that in Italy, he would never be seen wearing any shirt other than Atalanta's, both for what he has done and what he has received from the club. Today, the situation you know is very different."

Percassi emphasized that the club will retain the final decision regarding Lookman’s future, regardless of the pressure exerted by the player and his representatives.