Serie A side Atalanta are reportedly set to take legal action against African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, after the Nigerian international left Italy without permission and skipped training in protest over the club’s rejection of a transfer bid from Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old winger is said to be on an unauthorised vacation following Atalanta’s refusal to accept Inter’s latest offer, a move the club’s management views as completely unacceptable.
According to Football Italia, the Percassi family, owners of Atalanta, have initiated preparations for legal proceedings that could see Lookman hit with a hefty fine, with reports stating he has not communicated with the club since leaving Italy.
“After missing a few training sessions with Atalanta, Lookman has decided to leave Italy and go on an extra summer vacation,” a 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 situation has reached a complete impasse with both Atalanta and Inter Milan waiting for the other party to make the first move, creating a transfer stalemate just weeks before the new Serie A season begins.
Lookman’s protest stems from what he perceives as a breach of trust, having reportedly agreed on a verbal understanding with Atalanta that he could leave this summer if a suitable offer arrived.
Read Also: Transfer: Ndidi completes move to Besiktas
Inter Milan have already agreed personal terms with the Nigeria international on a deal worth €4.5m net per season until 2030, but their latest bid of €42m guaranteed plus €3m in variables falls short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation.
The former Europa League winners are reluctant to sell their star player to a direct Serie A rival and are hoping other interested clubs might table improved offers.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as potential competitors for Lookman’s signature, with the north London club identifying him as a viable alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as they seek to replace departing captain Son Heung-min.
However, Atalanta hold the upper hand in negotiations as Lookman still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning he would be obliged to return if no agreement is reached.
The Nigerian forward enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. Lookman has already submitted a transfer request and unfollowed Atalanta on social media platforms, further indicating his determination to secure a move away from Bergamo this summer.
