Key Points:
- Lookman left Italy without permission after a rejected Inter Milan bid.
- Atalanta are preparing legal action that could lead to a fine.
- Inter Milan and Tottenham are both interested in signing the winger.
Ademola Lookman is in trouble with his club Atalanta after skipping training. The Nigerian forward left Italy without permission following the club’s refusal to accept Inter Milan’s transfer offer.
In a previous ValidUpdates report, Lookman had already expressed his wish to leave Atalanta. He revealed he had handed in a formal transfer request, saying months of “broken promises” pushed him to demand an exit.
Reports say the 27-year-old has taken an extra holiday in protest. Atalanta’s top bosses see his move as a serious offence.
Atalanta prepare legal action
According to Football Italia, the Percassi family are ready to act. They have prepared legal steps that could result in a heavy fine for Lookman.
The winger has not spoken to the club since he left. “After missing training, Lookman chose to take more holiday,” the report said. “The club sees this as totally unacceptable.”
The standoff has frozen talks between Atalanta and Inter Milan. Both clubs are now waiting for the other to make a move. The Serie A season starts in just weeks.
The reason for Lookman’s protest
Sources say Lookman feels the club broke a promise. He reportedly had a verbal deal allowing him to leave this summer if a good offer came in.
Inter have already agreed personal terms with the Super Eagles star. The deal would pay him €4.5 million per year until 2030. But Atalanta rejected their latest €42 million bid plus €3 million in add-ons. The club wants €50 million.
Tottenham join the race
Atalanta are also reluctant to sell to a Serie A rival. They hope another club will match their price. Tottenham Hotspur have now shown interest.
The Premier League side see Lookman as a replacement for Son Heung-min. Son is set to join Real Madrid, leaving Spurs in need of a winger.
Atalanta still control the deal. Lookman has two years left on his contract. If no agreement is reached, he must return to Bergamo.
A standout season and social media move
Lookman had a huge season last year. He scored 20 goals in all competitions.
The Nigerian has already handed in a transfer request. He also unfollowed Atalanta on social media, showing he is ready to leave.
