Ademola Lookman has reportedly cleared his possessions out of Atalanta’s training ground as he bids to force a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
Lookman has been a key player for Atalanta since joining in 2022, with the forward reaching double figures for goals in the league in each of his three seasons at the club.
The Nigerian international is best remembered for hisstarring role in the 2024 Europa League final, with his hat-trick against BayerLeverkusen helping the club win the trophy for the first time.
Lookman confirmed in a statement this week that he hashanded in a transfer request, alleging he has been the victim of ‘poortreatment’ by the club, while accusing them of ‘months of broken promises’.
‘There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in thepast and I have previously always stayed loyal,’ Lookman said.
‘However, myself and the ownership of the club have been inagreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if afair offer came in they would allow me to move.
Ademola Lookman reportedly cleared his belongings and failed to attend training with Atalanta
Lookman was central to the club’s 2024 Europa League win but is now pushing to leave
‘Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.
‘As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.’
According to Sky Sport, Lookman on Tuesday failed to attend training for the second consecutive day, despite being scheduled to undergo an individual session to help his recovery from an injury.
Lookman’s attempts to force a move come after Atalanta rejected a £39million offer from Inter Milan.
Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi confirmed that Lookman will be allowed to leave this summer, but stressed he would not be able to join a Serie A rival.
‘It’s a good opportunity to clarify what happened,’ Percassi said at a press conference.
Last year, after a 20 million offer from PSG, the player had asked us to be sold.
‘Atalanta, being a credible club, had promised to sell the player this window based on two conditions that he himself had asked of us: First, to go to a super, top European club, and that he would never be seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta’s, given what he did for the club and what he received from the club.
Lookman has been the subject of a £39mllion offer from Inter Milan this summer
Atalanta have confirmed Lookman can leave but do not want to sell to a Serie A rival
‘Today, as you know, the situation is very different. The club is always careful when evaluating the value and timing of its players, but as always, it is Atalanta, the club, that decides.’
Reports in Italy suggested Lookman and Atalanta could take legal action over the dispute.
Lookman, who is contracted until 2027, could reportedly be fined by the club if he fails to attend training for the third consecutive day.
In total, Lookman has scored 52 goals in 118 appearances for Atalanta, including netting 20 times in 40 matches last season.
Atalanta finished third last season, behind champions Napoli and Inter Milan, to secure Champions League qualification.
