Italian Serie A club Atalanta have dismissed accusations of reneging on a verbal transfer agreement with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, following the player’s public criticism of the club’s refusal to sanction his desired move to Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old released an emotional statement on Sunday, confirming he had formally handed in a transfer request.
The former RB Leipzig star accused the Bergamo-based side of breaking promises made to him and treating him poorly both as a professional and as a person.
The Super Eagles forward insists he was led to believe that he would be allowed to leave the club this summer if a suitable offer arrived, which he claims has now materialised.
“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club is blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” Lookman said. “I sadly feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right. Enough is enough.”
Atalanta, however, strongly reject any allegations of dishonesty.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club maintain that any so-called ‘gentleman’s agreement' reached with Ademola Lookman during last season was specifically centred around a transfer to a foreign club and not a domestic rival like Inter Milan.
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The saga dates back to the end of the 2023/24 campaign when Lookman, fresh from a stunning season capped by a Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, was attracting attention from top European sides including Paris Saint-Germain.
It was during this period that Atalanta and Ademola Lookman came to a mutual understanding that the club would entertain foreign offers that met their valuation.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG, and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs reportedly interested in Lookman, but only Inter Milan have taken concrete steps to sign the Nigerian.
Atalanta, who value the forward at €50 million, remain unmoved by Inter Milan’s latest bid, which totals €45 million including bonuses.
While the player is reported to have already agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri, the club are firm on their stance of not selling to a Serie A rival unless the valuation is met, and even then, reluctantly.
Club officials are understood to be frustrated by Lookman’s decision to make the issue public, especially after his heroic exploits last season, which included scoring 20 goals across all competitions.
Ademola Lookman: A solid fit for Inter Milan
From a tactical standpoint, Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Bergomi has weighed in on the potential move for Lookman.
Bergomi has offered insight into how the Super Eagles forward might fit into Christian Chivu’s system at San Siro.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Bergomi suggested a front three of Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez, and Lookman could work, but warned of the challenges in rebalancing the midfield to support such an attack-heavy formation.
“Thuram on the right, Lautaro up front and Lookman on the left. You can find a team in that,” Bergomi said. “I don’t dispute Lookman’s value. He has scored more than 50 goals in three years and is one of the best strikers in Serie A, but finding the balance is crucial.
“Nobody doubts it would be high quality. But if you play those three, you would have to change the set-up in midfield.”
The former Italy defender recommended Genoa’s tireless midfielder Morten Frendrup as the kind of high-energy player needed to cover ground and maintain balance. He also named Manu Koné and Khéphren Thuram as suitable alternatives, citing their physicality and tactical awareness.
Lookman, for his part, remains open to the Inter switch, with insiders confirming that he prefers to stay in Italy. However, unless Inter raise its offer or Atalanta softens their position, the transfer remains on shaky ground.
With Inter’s internal deadline of July 31 for a deal now passed, the pressure is mounting.
The next few days are expected to be decisive, as Lookman’s camp weighs its next move and Atalanta considers whether holding onto an unhappy star could create further dressing room issues.
For now, the standoff continues, with €5 million separating Lookman from a dream move to San Siro.
