Ademola Lookman returns to Atalanta after failed Inter Milan move as Arsenal ponder over transfer

After days on a self-imposed exile, Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta’s training ground following the collapse of his proposed move to Inter Milan, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman's return to Atalanta brings an end to one of the summer’s most turbulent transfer standoffs in Italian football.

The Nigerian forward had been pushing for a switch to the Serie A champions after Inter lodged a €45m bid with performance-related bonuses.

Atalanta, however, rejected the approach, insisting that any sale would only be considered for a higher fee and to a club outside Italy. That stance effectively ruled out Inter and triggered a bitter fallout between the player and his employers.

Lookman, crowned African Footballer of the Year last December, responded by handing in a transfer request and publicly accusing Atalanta of reneging on promises about his career path. In protest, he refused to join team training, instead relocating to the United Kingdom to work individually while awaiting a resolution.

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Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi later acknowledged that there was a “gentleman’s agreement” in place regarding Lookman’s future but confirmed it excluded domestic rivals. Reports in Italy suggest the forward now faces disciplinary measures, including potential fines and wage deductions, for his unauthorised absence.

Although Inter have now withdrawn from negotiations, Lookman has returned to the club’s Zingonia base.

Le immagini di Ademola #Lookman al ritorno a Zingonia. @SkySport pic.twitter.com/735mtAaSBn

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 19, 2025

What next for Ademola Lookman: Arsenal?

For now, the Nigerian forward will train away from Ivan Juric’s main squad, leaving his availability for Atalanta’s Serie A opener against newly-promoted Pisa in serious doubt.

The uncertainty surrounding his reintegration has done little to quell speculation about his next move.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano had revealed that Premier League clubs are monitoring developments, with Arsenal among those linked.

While stressing that the Gunners remain content with their current attacking options, Romano suggested Lookman could be considered if Leandro Trossard were to depart before the close of the window.

“Long negotiation between Inter and Lookman comes to an end. No agreement between Inter and Atalanta,” Romano said, confirming that Atalanta rejected Inter’s €45m bid at the end of July.

“Now there could be new waves on the market. Keep an eye on the Premier League because clubs are aware of the situation.”

Lookman’s representatives are expected to explore English opportunities in the coming weeks, particularly after Percassi’s recent trip to London for unrelated transfer talks.

The Nigerian, who has been a revelation since arriving in Bergamo in 2022, is known to be open to a new challenge and remains one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe.

However, his immediate reality is a return to Atalanta training under strained circumstances, just days before the new Serie A campaign begins.