Atalanta Set for Legal Action Against Ademola Lookman Amid Transfer Standoff

Atalanta are preparing legal proceedings against African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, after the Nigerian international left Italy without authorisation and skipped training in protest over the club’s refusal to accept a bid from Inter Milan, Sport360NG reports.

The 27-year-old winger is reported to have embarked on an unsanctioned holiday following Atalanta’s rejection of Inter’s latest proposal. Club owners, the Percassi family, consider his actions unacceptable and are ready to impose a heavy fine, according to Football Italia. The outlet adds that Lookman has cut off contact with the Serie A side since his departure.

“After missing a few training sessions with Atalanta, Lookman has decided to leave Italy and go on an extra summer vacation,” the report stated. “The Percassi family have prepared legal action with a costly fine, as the striker’s attitude is considered completely unacceptable, regardless of the reasoning behind it.”

The standoff has created a deadlock in the transfer market, with neither Atalanta nor Inter willing to make the next move. Lookman’s frustration reportedly stems from a verbal agreement allowing him to leave this summer if a suitable offer came in. Inter have reached personal terms with the forward on a contract worth €4.5 million per season until 2030, but their €42m bid plus €3m in add-ons remains below Atalanta’s €50m valuation.

Reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival, Atalanta are also eyeing potential offers from other clubs. Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be monitoring the situation, viewing Lookman as an alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in their search for a replacement for departing captain Son Heung-min.

Lookman still has two years left on his current deal, giving Atalanta the leverage to insist on his return if no agreement is reached. The former Leicester City forward was a standout performer last season, netting 20 goals across all competitions. He has already submitted a formal transfer request and unfollowed the club on social media, signalling his intent to leave Bergamo before the transfer window closes.