Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has reportedly skipped training with Atalanta on Tuesday, in a bold attempt to force a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
According to Football Italia, the 27-year-old winger was expected at Atalanta’s Zingonia training ground for pre-season duties, but was a no-show, just days after releasing a statement on Instagram in which he accused the club of “broken promises” and confirmed he had submitted a formal transfer request.
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Sources close to the club say Atalanta are angered by the absence, which is seen as a breach of professional conduct. The move marks a dramatic turn in the ongoing saga and signals Lookman’s growing frustration with the club’s refusal to sanction his preferred transfer to Inter Milan.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi responded publicly to the situation during the unveiling of new goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, revealing that while the club had agreed to consider offers this summer, it was on the condition that Lookman would not be sold to a direct Serie A rival.
“There was a mutual understanding about a potential move, but not to a domestic competitor,” Percassi reportedly stated.
Inter Milan’s latest offer, valued at €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons, has been rejected by La Dea, who are holding out for €50 million. Lookman’s refusal to train is now viewed as a calculated attempt to force Atalanta’s hand and push through the move.
Lookman played a crucial role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League success in the 2023/24 season and remains under contract with the club until June 2027. However, his relationship with the Bergamo-based outfit appears to have completely broken down.
