Lookman Absent from Training in Bid to Force Atalanta Move to Inter

Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, was absent from Atalanta’s training session on Monday, in what appears to be a clear message about his desire to leave the club, Sport360NG reports.

The Nigerian winger is reportedly pushing for a move away, with Inter Milan showing serious interest. The 2025 Champions League finalists recently tabled a bid believed to be around €45 million, including add-ons, but Atalanta turned it down.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Atalanta are reluctant to sell Lookman to a domestic rival, especially in light of an informal agreement previously reached with the player.

Lookman’s no-show at training followed a public expression of frustration on Sunday. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported:

“Ademola Lookman didn’t show up for training today as he keeps insisting on his plan to leave Atalanta. Atalanta maintains their position. No way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week. No fresh bid from Inter so far.”

The 26-year-old has since submitted an official transfer request, citing a breakdown in communication and trust between himself and the club. In a social media statement, Lookman claimed that Atalanta were obstructing a move he believes is long overdue.

“It’s the right moment for a new challenge,” he wrote, adding that the club was “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”

Lookman, who previously played for Fulham, Leicester City, Everton and RB Leipzig, has grown frustrated by what he perceives as mixed signals from the club. His social media purge, removing all Atalanta-related content, only deepened speculation about his exit.

Reacting to the player’s remarks, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi clarified the club’s position during a media briefing:

“It’s important to be clear about what happened. Last year, after a €20 million offer from PSG, the player asked to leave. We agreed to consider a sale this summer, but under two conditions: it had to be to a top European club and not to another Serie A team.”

Percassi emphasized that while the club respects Lookman’s contributions, the final decision rests with Atalanta.

“As always, it is the club that determines the value and timing of any sale.”

The club also issued a separate statement, revealing that any “gentleman’s agreement” referred to by Lookman stemmed from last summer’s discussions and never materialized into a formal deal, particularly because PSG’s offer fell short of the club’s valuation.

Atalanta have reportedly set their asking price at €50 million and insist they will not entertain offers below that figure, especially from Italian rivals.

With tensions mounting, all eyes are now on whether Inter will return with an improved offer or if Lookman’s standoff will drag deeper into the summer transfer window.